Finnish Institute book club explores Pirkko Saisio’s novel about Stalin

The Finnish Institute’s literary club will turn to Pirkko Saisio’s award-winning novel Suliko at its next meeting on September 22 at Apollo Plaza bookstore. Translator Piret Pääsuke will join the discussion.

The novel looks back at Joseph Stalin’s childhood, youth, adulthood and years in power. It examines the choices he made and their consequences, while asking whether the will of a determined person can ever truly be free.

Suliko also enters the world of myths. It explores how human choices can ultimately produce an outcome opposite to the original ethos and goal. Among its central questions are how an idealist fighting for justice can become a dictator, whether love is an illusion, and who Suliko is.

The novel received the Runeberg Prize last year. The Finnish Institute’s literary club presents Finnish literature once a month at Apollo Plaza, inviting guests to discuss the books and welcoming participation from all literature enthusiasts.