Jansson, Tove

(1914-2001)

   A Finland-Swedish novelist, short story writer, and author of children's books, Tove Jansson is the world's best-known Finland-Swedish writer. Most readers know her as the author of a series of novels about the Moomin Trolls, but she has also written books for adults. The Moomins are shaped like miniature hippopotami that walk upright on their hind legs. They live at a place called Moominvalley, which is surrounded by mountains. They hibernate during the winter, but during the rest of the year they are active, and at times they travel considerably. Moominvalley is their permanent home, however, and that is where their security is to be found.

   The first book about the Moomins was published in 1945, but the most significant titles are Trollkarlens hatt (1949; tr. Finn Family Moomintroll, 1950),Muminpappans bravader (1950; tr. The Exploits ofMoominpappa, 1952), Farlig midsommar (1954; tr. Moominsummer Madness, 1955), Trollvinter (1957; Moominland Midwinter, 1958), Pappan och havet (1965; tr. Moominpappa at Sea, 1966), and Sent i november (1970, tr. Moominvalley in November, 1971). The stories feature some kind of natural catastrophe that requires the Moomins to cooperate extensively in their efforts to save their home. The novels teach such values as kindness, social cooperation, respect for others, and the ability to laugh at one's own foibles. In Farlig midsommar, for example, there is a great flood, and the Moomins find a floating theater that challenges their ability to tell the difference between reality and theatrical illusions, especially when Moominpappa gets involved in having his own verse drama performed there.

   Among Jansson's books for adults is an autobiographical novel of sorts, Bildhuggarens dotter (1968; tr. The Sculptor's Daughter, 1969), which may shed some light on the origins of the Moomins in Jansson's own childhood. Two volumes of tales are Lyssnerskan (1971; The Listening Woman) and Dockskapet (1978; The Doll Cupboard). Her most popular novels for adults are Sommarboken (1972; tr. The Summer Book, 1977) and Solstaden (1974; tr. Sun City, 1976). Two later novels are Den aärliga bedragaren (1982; The Honest Swindler) and Stenakern (1984; The Stony Field). Three books about various topics may be considered fictionalized memoirs: Resa med latt bagage (1987; Journey with Light Baggage), Rent spel (1989; Honest Play), and Brev fran Klara (1991; Honest Play).