The powerful debut novel LAND OF SNOW AND ASHES receives third prize nomination. The novel that brings to light the untold themes of secret Nazi prison camps in the midst of the Arctic Lapland’s spectacular scenery and brutal actions conducted both at the Second World War and against the indigenous Sámi people after the war.
Author Petra Rautiainen is one of the six nominees for the Finnish literary prize Savonia for her debut novel LAND OF SNOW AND ASHES. The award is presented annually to an outstanding novel from the Finnish Savo region. The winner will be announced on 9 December 2020.
Jury’s motivation:
“A great debut novel that meritoriously brings to light untold and difficult themes of Finland’s history such as the German prison camps, Finns’ Nazi sympathies and the colonialism towards the Sámi. The beautiful poetic description of Lapland’s nature and the evolving love story in the background bring balance to the cruelty of war.”
Debut novelist Petra Rautiainen was recently shortlisted for the 2020 Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize and the Book of the Year by Finnish bookstore Suomalainen Kirjakauppa.
We are sending our warmest congrats to Petra Rautiainen!