For thirty summers Tove and her partner, the graphic artist, Tuulikki Pietilä, retreated to the tiny island of Klovharun, a rocky outcrop in the gulf of Finland, where they would live, paint and write, energised by the shifting seascapes and the island's austere charms. Notes from an Island, offers both a memoir of, and homage to, this beloved island home. Tove's spare prose, and Tuulikki's subtle washes and aquatints, combine to form a work of meditative beauty.This edition includes the first UK publication of Tove's acclaimed 1961 essay/prose poem, The Island.
Tove Jansson
Tove Jansson (1914-2001) was a Finnish-Swedish author, artist, and illustrator best known for creating the Moomin series, a collection of whimsical and philosophical children's books that have become beloved worldwide. Her writing style is characterized by its wit, warmth, and deep empathy for her characters. Jansson's contributions to literature include challenging traditional gender roles and exploring complex themes such as friendship, family, and the nature of happiness. Her most famous work, "The Moomins and the Great Flood," introduced readers to the endearing Moomin family and their fantastical adventures, setting the stage for a successful series that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Jansson's impact on the literary genre of children's literature is immeasurable, as her work continues to inspire generations of readers and writers alike.