Moominvalley in November

by Tove Jansson | Children's Books | This book has not been rated.
ISBN: 0312625448 Global Overview for this book
Registered by Tarna of Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on 5/24/2014
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Bol.com
3 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Tarna from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Saturday, May 24, 2014
Text and illustrations by Tove Jansson. Published in Finland as Sent i november (1970). (The original title is in Swedish. The Finnish title is Muumilaakson marraskuu, published in 1970.) Translated by Kingsley Hart. First published in the United States by Henry Z. Walck, Inc, 1971. First Square Fish Edition 2010. Moomin Books 8. New York: Square Fish / Farrar Straus Giroux 2010.. Paperback, 185 pages.
Cover art by Tove Jansson.

Blurb:
In Moominvalley In November Snufkin, the Hemulen, Grandpa-Grumble, and little Toft have all come to the Moomins' house for a visit during a gloomy November. But where are the Moomins?

***
Moominvalley in November is the last one of the Moomin novels, and it is often said to be the best one. Might well be. I find it very good indeed. — The first ever Moomin novel called Småtrollen och den stora översvämningen (1945) has, btw, never been translated into English. Even the Finnish translation, Muumit ja suuri tuhotulva, wasn't published until March 1992.
There are no Moomin protagonists in this story but all the characters are so juicy. None of them is kind and friendly, let alone perfect the way Moomin family members seem to be. I think that's the strong point of this book.
To us Finns, Moomins are much more than just stories for children. Also grown-ups enjoy them, and I seem to find something new in them almost every time I reread a Moomin book. For us, Moomins are philosophic statements. Moomin ideology includes tolerating and accepting diversity, being just what you are, etc. They also tell something relevant about Finnish and Swedish-speaking Finnish (national) character.
That's why, especially if you're not a Finn and have read this book, I'd love to know how you feel about it. You don't have to like the book, just be honest. I'm truly interested to know what you think.

Tove (Marika) Jansson (1914—2001) at Pegasos — A literature related site in Finland
Tove Jansson at Wikipedia
Tove at tovejansson.fi

Moominvalley in November at Wikipedia

All Things Moomin
Moomin at Wikipedia

Tampere Art Museum Moominvalley
Moomin Museum at Wikipedia

Journal Entry 2 by Tarna at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, June 5, 2014

Released 9 yrs ago (6/5/2014 UTC) at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Lukemisen iloa muumien ystävien parissa!

Journal Entry 3 by Arvores at Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo Portugal on Monday, June 9, 2014
Oh, Finland, Finland!
I'm so happy to get this book and the kindness of Tarna and her dad.

I REALLY appreciate this. Thank you so much!
Olen iloinen! Kiitos paljon. Terveisin.

Yes, I'm goig to be honest and say what I really think about it. I always do :-)

Journal Entry 4 by Arvores at Porto Santo (ilha), Madeira Portugal on Thursday, March 16, 2023
Moomin characters are very down to earth and they always adapt to life as it is. But, this doesn't mean they're not funny or compassionate. There's always something you can learn from them, not in a moralistic way, rather in a philosophical one. They are always open to let you be who you are, never trying to change you or lecture you. Besides all that, they're cute and magical, and make you feel like living in their world for a little while. I LOVE how these books always connect you to Nature.

I hope the recipient of this book will be open to this choice and enjoy it as much as I did.
And off they go for new travels. I miss them already.

Journal Entry 5 by wingchawosowing at Heusenstamm, Hessen Germany on Monday, April 10, 2023
What a great choice!
I love the Moomin characters and I love Tove Jansson. I am really looking forward to read that one.

Are you sure you want to delete this item? It cannot be undone.