A deceptively slim volume, this is not a book to read quickly, to devour, but to be read slowly and savoured.

Tove Jansson has a remarkable and unique voice and a story of the relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter which in other hands could have been saccharine or wearisomely instructive and generally unoriginal becomes something special.

The book reads as a series of short stories and whilst there are dramas, it could be argued that nothing much happens. Sophia and her nameless grandmother are both spiky in their way and their relationship is comfortable in a deep seated way rather than merely cosy. They are certainly capable of being very cross with one another (sometimes through diverting their anger from other issues) but they are also very kind. The gentle humour of the book is perhaps exemplified by Sophia sliding a letter under her grandmother's bedroom door saying nothing more than "I hate you. With warmest regards, Sophia" Each has things to work through although this is sometimes unstated... especially the loss of Sophia's mother and the apparent detachment of Sophia's father who is living on the island with them, whereas we are shown the grandmother reflecting on and struggling with old age.

The depiction of island life is another big element of the book - the wider relationships, what happens (or doesn't) with a newcomer, the great storm which Sophia thinks she called into being, fishing, the attempt to garden.

A lovely book and not a Moomin in sight.

Posted to a relative who will be holidaying where this book is set.

Thanks to my cousin for sending me this book. Each chapter has conjured up images of island life - the interplay with it and the lives of Sophia, her Grandmother and father show Sophia growing, discovering and learning about the island environment and her place in it.
Looking forward to going to the Aaland Islands to experience them for real !