Birdbrain

by Johanna Sinisalo | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0720613434 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingPaulanniwing of Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on 12/8/2020
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14 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingPaulanniwing from Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Tuesday, December 8, 2020
"This is a compelling exploration of the desire of tourists to conquer the world's last remaining pristine landscapes. A young Finnish couple - sports enthusiast Jyrki and his girlfriend Heidi - go on the hiking trip of a lifetime in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand with Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness in their backpacks and the intention of being ecologically aware. As they attempt increasingly challenging trails their trek develops a sinister aspect as unsettling incidents occur." (from back cover)

217 p. Original in Finnish "Linnunaivot" (2008), translated by David Hackston (2010).

Journal Entry 2 by wingPaulanniwing at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Thursday, December 10, 2020
I just read this book in Finnish and liked it a lot. It is set in an (for me) unknown environment. The nature of Tasmania presents its most beautiful and its roughest parts to the Finnish trekker couple, and even though I don't have any trekking experience, all the detailed descriptions were intense and kept my interest fully in the book. The mutual relationship between the two trekkers changes when the going gets hard, and there's something sinister in the air.

Johanna Sinisalo has brought many levels to her novel: the relationship between nature and people, environmental questions, and the development of the couple's relationship with each other. The end of the book left many things open to interpretation and kept lingering in my mind long after the last page. There are a lot of quotes from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, which also set a tone for the novel. And inspire me to put his book on my tbr list.

Journal Entry 3 by wingPaulanniwing at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Monday, December 28, 2020
The book is travelling as part of the Favourite Book of 2020 Roundabout

in this order:
1. Paulanni Finland - read
2. grovalskii Germany - read
3. Fifna Netherlands - read
4. Dark-Draco UK - read
5. Cross-Patch UK - read
6. Earthcaroleanne UK - read
7. Poodlesister UK - read
8. greenbadger UK - read
9. mathgirl40 Canada - read
10. mcsar Canada - read
11. Valpete USA - read
12. Icila France - read

Journal Entry 4 by wingPaulanniwing at Favourite Book Roundabout, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Monday, December 28, 2020

Released 3 yrs ago (12/28/2020 UTC) at Favourite Book Roundabout, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases

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The book is ready to start its travel and is already on its way to grovalskii.
Have a great reading year 2021!

Journal Entry 5 by grovalskii at Zehlendorf, Berlin Germany on Monday, January 4, 2021
Yay! The 2020 Fav roundabout has officially begun for me. Thanks for this first book, Paulanni. It sounds very interesting. Also, how thoughtful of you to include the bookmark calendar leaves!

Journal Entry 6 by grovalskii at Zehlendorf, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
So, I finished the book a couple of days ago but I had to process first before I could write my comments. The book is written well enough. The subject matter could be super interesting, and IS interesting at times. I guess I just really did not like the character of Jurki and maybe that made me get hung up on things. What a self-centered person! He made me really angry at times, until the very end. But despite Jurki, it was a good book and I'm glad I had a chance to read it.

Off to the next reader (Fifna)!

Journal Entry 7 by wingFifnawing at Voorburg, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Wednesday, January 27, 2021
It has arrived safely, thanks grovalskii. And thank you very much indeed for those beautiful envelopes - they will certainly come in handy! And thank you Paulanni for my March bookmark!

Journal Entry 8 by wingFifnawing at Voorburg, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Monday, February 8, 2021
Such a strange story, but I did really enjoy it. Jyrki is indeed very self-centred. And yes, Heidi shouldn't have gone on a hiking trip like this on a whim and without training, but his disdain towards her is horrible. He actually never refers to her by name in his parts of the narrative, just 'she' and 'her'.
The alternating points of view are good, as you get their differing views on each situation, especially interesting when weird things start happening. I could have done without the storyline of the brother - I think that was just trying to be a bit too clever.
I think the moral of this story is: don't take on Mother Nature - you're not going to win.
Another good pick for the roundabout: a book I would likely never have come across otherwise - thanks for sharing!

Journal Entry 9 by wingFifnawing at Ledbury, Herefordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 13, 2021

Released 3 yrs ago (2/13/2021 UTC) at Ledbury, Herefordshire United Kingdom

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On its way to dark-draco!

Journal Entry 10 by wingdark-dracowing at Ledbury, Herefordshire United Kingdom on Monday, February 22, 2021
Received ... thank you

Journal Entry 11 by wingdark-dracowing at Ledbury, Herefordshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 26, 2021
What?

Hmmm, ok, so I've just finished reading this (was actually late for work as I was trying to finish it off) and was that what it was all building up to?

Back track a bit and I was really enjoying the read. The style took a bit of getting used to and, to be honest, I gave up trying to keep up with the switches in timeline (or even working out why the author had bothered!), but I found it very readable. It did surprise me that there weren't more descriptive pieces about the country the two are hiking through, but there was enough to keep me interested in where they were going. The two main characters aren't exactly likeable, but they seem real enough to invest some reading time in, and you do wonder how their relationship will survive the trip.

But all the way through, the story was hinting at something - some big reveal or hidden character or just something to actually happen. Instead, the single bit of really heart-pounding, scary action is dealt with in two pages at the end and you never really find out what happened.

So, for me, a good enough read, let down by a disappointing conclusion.

Released 2 yrs ago (5/18/2021 UTC) at -- By Post or by Hand--, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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OMG, I am so sorry. I thought I'd posted this ages ago :( Off to the next reader now.

Journal Entry 13 by wingCross-patchwing at Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Saturday, May 22, 2021
Thanks. It’s here.

Journal Entry 14 by wingCross-patchwing at Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 1, 2021
A very good choice for this year’s roundabout. Like Grovalskii says, there is a lot to think about with the themes and the ending, which I liked for its obfuscation. Especially liked the references to Té Anau, where we spent a happy week a few years ago.

Released 2 yrs ago (6/1/2021 UTC) at -- By Post or by Hand--, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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Just in time for June! Enjoy!

Journal Entry 16 by wingearthcaroleannewing at Falkirk, Scotland United Kingdom on Saturday, June 5, 2021
Arrived today. Thank you.

Journal Entry 17 by wingearthcaroleannewing at Falkirk, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 17, 2021
After the introduction of Jyrki in Lapland, I couldn’t get past the thought that he was a complete and utter pig (avoiding the title misogynist). I understand the message he had in wanting to save the planet but he came across as very preachy which will put many people off altogether. Apart from that he is traipsing around the continent along a route with thousands of other hikers ruining the countryside/rain forest/etc. It was commented that the Tasmanian South Coast Track had “worn patches on both sides of the river beneath the trees”. The destruction of the landscape by hiking tourists is hinted at later with comments by Heidi such as “this is clearly more worn away and more in use than any of the other campsites” and Jyrki doesn’t seem to understand that he is doing as much damage as others. Finally, I didn’t know why the switches in time were necessary, or the introduction of her brother into the story.

Journal Entry 18 by wingearthcaroleannewing at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, August 19, 2021

Released 2 yrs ago (9/3/2021 UTC) at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom

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Poodlesister is in Edinburgh soon so I will hand it over to her.

Journal Entry 19 by wingPoodlesisterwing at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, September 4, 2021
Thanks earthcaroleanne

Journal Entry 20 by wingPoodlesisterwing at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, October 10, 2021
I found this a frustrating read. I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and wildlife, Jyrki is a jerk and not very likeable, there was something compelling about the way the book was written but for me it was ultimately unsatisfying.

Released 2 yrs ago (10/10/2021 UTC) at -- By Post or by Hand--, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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This will be travelling on to greenbadger very soon.

Journal Entry 22 by winggreenbadgerwing at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, October 14, 2021
It's arrived, thank you!
It seems there are mixed opinions, I am interested to find out more. I really liked Troll: A Love Story by the same author.

Journal Entry 23 by winggreenbadgerwing at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Sunday, October 31, 2021
Two Finnish hikers, Jyrki and Heidi, make their way round the south coast track in Tasmania. Jyrki has a macho obsession with hiking in as remote places as possible, planning the food to the nearest gram and paring down weight to the extent of not carrying any spares/safety equipment which makes him far from the expert he thinks he is. I don't really get what Heidi sees in Jyrki, but she's followed him half way round the world even though she has no hiking experience herself. Mysterious happenings hinder their way and make them distrust each other. Meanwhile a parallel thread of the story tells of the malicious activities of Heidi's brother. I did not at all forsee the shocking way in which the two threads would come together.
I hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand a few years ago - staying in luxury lodges with beds and hot meals, Jyrki would despise me! It's absolutely the case that you have to keep boots inside to stop the keas destroying them but my understanding from the guides is that they are just mischievous. Sadly we didn't see kea but we did see weka which Heidi sees in New Zealand in the book.

Journal Entry 24 by winggreenbadgerwing at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Released 2 yrs ago (11/3/2021 UTC) at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom

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On its way to mathgirl40.

Journal Entry 25 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Thursday, November 18, 2021
This book has arrived. Looking forward to reading it.

Journal Entry 26 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, December 29, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. The journey itself, the commentary on the environment and the descriptions of the setting were especially interesting. However, neither character appealed to me, with Jyrki being downright detestable, so it was difficult to relate to their points of view. Still, I am glad I'd read this book as I learned a lot about the wildlife of Tasmania and New Zealand.

Journal Entry 27 by mathgirl40 at Waterloo, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Released 2 yrs ago (1/5/2022 UTC) at Waterloo, Ontario Canada

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This book is on its way to mcsar now.

Journal Entry 28 by mcsar at Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, January 20, 2022
The book is with me now. I will start reading soon. Thanks, mathgirl40, for sending and, Paulanni, for the cute moomin bookmark.

Journal Entry 29 by mcsar at Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Tuesday, February 1, 2022
I liked this one. I think it a great choice for the roundabout. While the whole thing was just the two protagonists trekking along, somehow it was a very compelling read. I agreed that Jyrki and Heidi are not particularly likeable characters, but I usually do not need the characters to be likeable for me to really enjoy a work. And I also don't mind ambiguities in endings. I also liked how The Heart of Darkness was integrated into the story. I have the author's Not Before Sundown on my TBR, and now I will probably be reading that sooner than planned.

Journal Entry 30 by mcsar at Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Released 2 yrs ago (2/2/2022 UTC) at Richmond, British Columbia Canada

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On its way to valpete. Happy reading!

Journal Entry 31 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Monday, February 7, 2022
Received! I'll get to it ASAP.

Journal Entry 32 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Monday, February 21, 2022
I liked this book quite a lot. I noticed that most readers didn't like Jyrki. I had the opposite reaction. I thought he was more genuine and authentic in his love of the planet. Heidi, on the other hand, was not completely honest on many levels. The trip was fascinating, particularly for me, who doesn't do much these days, except walk the dog.

Journal Entry 33 by alyyourpally at Durham, North Carolina USA on Monday, February 28, 2022
I have done a bit of traveling thorough Tasmania and New Zealand, so it has been delightful to read about the characters' experiences there! It is a quick, compelling read.

Journal Entry 34 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Saturday, March 12, 2022
This book is now back with me after my granddaughter read it. I will be sending it back to Paulanni shortly.

Journal Entry 35 by valpete at Walnut Creek, California USA on Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Released 2 yrs ago (3/15/2022 UTC) at Walnut Creek, California USA

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Going home after a world-wide journey!

Journal Entry 36 by wingPaulanniwing at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Monday, April 11, 2022
It is at home again. Thank you for sending it, valpete! I won't keep it long, though, as it continues its journey - next to France, as soon as I have its travel companion ready.

Journal Entry 37 by wingPaulanniwing at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland on Monday, April 18, 2022

Released 1 yr ago (4/19/2022 UTC) at Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme / Egentliga Tavastland Finland

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Off to the last reader of the Roundabout.

Journal Entry 38 by wingIcilawing at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Thank you Paulanni, your book is with me after a long journey.
My turn to make my mind.

Journal Entry 39 by wingIcilawing at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Thursday, June 2, 2022
There is certainly a lot to process.
Basically I took it like an adventure, for me to read about, for others to live.
Dumb as I am I didn't check the author's background which tells a different story.
I didn't saw Jyrki as the bad guy at all. Just too overwhelmed by protecting, too late, the species. But humans are a specie too. I don't see where he was a jerk. From the first time he was rather protective, asked for nothing and didn't reject Heidi.
I liked Heidi a lot too, I saw her point when she followed him on a whim without seing things through but we glimpsed the nature of her familial interactions ( the parents' fault all over again, see the brother's madness.) She is very courageous, or very in love, or very proud toward her father or a mix of the three.
I have my idea about the end but I don't want to spoil.
It w'd be wonderful to have somewhere to share our deductions.
Anyway, thanks for sharing this book.




Journal Entry 40 by over-the-moon at Lausanne, Vaud Switzerland on Wednesday, June 8, 2022
for some reason, Finland is calling me.

Journal Entry 41 by over-the-moon at Lausanne, Vaud Switzerland on Sunday, July 24, 2022
Icila didn't do a release note but as I'm starting to read this now I thought I'd add that she brought it to Lausanne for one of our monthly meetups which was held in a Ukrainian restaurant.
I realise I'm not going to see much of Finland with this but rather Down Under. As it is well travelled book I might take it to the Newcastle uncon if I can finish it in time.

Journal Entry 42 by over-the-moon at Lausanne, Vaud Switzerland on Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Well, that was quite a trip. Not my idea of a holiday!
Jyrki was very judgmental, self-righteous and downright patronising, a trekking snob, not the kind of person who appeals to me, though towards the end, he redeemed himself a little by showing a begrudging admiration for Heidi because of the way she has managed to get through the difficult trak he has insisted on following. Though i don't think he ever admits to any kind of affection for her, he must feel some or he would not have been so protective at the end.
I liked the rebellious side of Heidi and the stubborn way she plods on relentlessly, I don't know where she found the strength.

I didn't mind the backwards and forwards between Finland and New Zealand, mainland Australia and Tasmania, but would have liked the trekking part to be set in chronological order as I had to keep looking at the dates and trying to fathom out how they got from one place to another. It would also have enabled me to see the development of the characters and their attitudes towards one another more clearly.
The sadistic behaviour of the person who commented between chapters puzzled me and somehow I missed that it was Heidi's brother. Now I shall have to go back and see how I did miss that, and what was he doing there anyway? [OK, got it, around p. 51, now it makes sense.]
And what about the missing items, are we to presume it was the keas?
A few things gave me the shudders, the toilet situation for one, but mostly the leeches which are my worst nightmare.
I am wondering about the title, and whether it refers to the birds, the awful brother, Heidi who at one point creates a small amount of havoc by behaving like a kea, or Jyrki who thinks he knows it all in his maddeningly superior way.

Journal Entry 43 by over-the-moon at Restaurant VaSano (ex-Vapiano) in Lausanne, Vaud Switzerland on Sunday, September 4, 2022

Released 1 yr ago (9/6/2022 UTC) at Restaurant VaSano (ex-Vapiano) in Lausanne, Vaud Switzerland

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for the meetup

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