Title: Little Siberia
Author: Antti Tuomainen
Publisher: Orenda Books
When a valuable meteorite comes crashing into a small Finnish town, local Priest Joel takes it upon himself to protect the precious rock worth a million Euros before it is transported elsewhere. But whilst half of the town seems to be looking to gain from the meteorite, Joel has his own problems at home; suspecting his pregnant wife of foul play. Problems that he hopes he can run away from by fending off several attempted thefts of the meteorite.
Author Antti Tuomainen has been described as the King of Helsinki Noir, and it is easy to see why in his most recent novel, ‘Little Siberia’. This novel is witty, full of humour and packed with suspense throughout. This Finnish author’s previous works have been awarded the Clue Award for Best Finnish Crime Novel as well as being shortlisted for numerous other awards. His novels have been translated into more than 25 languages, and luckily English is amongst that list.
Translated by David Hackston, ‘Little Siberia’ was written in such a way that at times the words seem almost poetic. Tuomainen’s frequent descriptions of the weather and the landscape, coupled with Hackston’s translation of such descriptions, makes for an easy and enjoyable read. David Hackston is also an award winner, having won the Finnish State Prize for Translation in 2007. It seems Hackston has translated many of Antti Tuomainen’s novels. The pair clearly complement one another, creating literature that will be remembered in the years to come, similar to that of the practically flawless ‘Little Siberia’.
Tuomainen is clearly an experienced author, knowing how to grip his readers within the first chapter and then proceed to keep them guessing until the very final chapter. It is not always easy to create suspense on the page, but Tuomainen seems to do so with ease. The same must be said for his creation of action. The few chase scenes within the novel are full of tension and excitement. And although the setting may be unfamiliar to many British readers, Tuomainen’s creation of believable characters and relationships allows us to feel at ease and connect with the characters in some way.
‘Little Siberia’ is a novel that never seems to slow in pace, perhaps reflecting the out of control speed of the town’s former rally driver within the novel. Tuomainen’s seamless blending of comedy and horror succeeds in keeping his readers hooked. A novel that, on the surface, I would not usually chose to read. I am usually put off by landscapes and settings that I do not know, sticking to those I am familiar with. But it must be said that this was a perfect example of being proven wrong. My lack of familiarity with the setting did not affect my enjoyment of the novel one bit, with Tuomainen’s descriptive language making me feel as though I was dropped into the small town itself. I could practically breathe the same air and walk the same steps as the novel’s lead character, Joel. I was invested in the protagonist’s outcome; the definitive mark of a great author.
This novel is one that can be enjoyed by all; from the novice reader to the experienced veteran. An entertaining read that can easily be consumed in just one sitting, or savoured over a long period of time if you have the self-control.
Reviewer - Megan Relph
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