The Late Jarkko Laine of Turku, Finland
I was bopping around the Internet yesterday, trying to figure out a publishing and marketing strategy for my manuscript-in-progress, Sukulaiset: The Kindred. I was looking into possible funding sources and seeking out experts regarding the themes of the book (Karelian Fever, WWII in Finland, Estonia), when I came across a story about Jarkko Laine. You likely have no idea who Jarkko Laine is. Am I right?
I had no idea either until Olavi Koivukangas, the director of the Institute of Migration in Turku, Finland invited Jarkko, other Finnish literary types, and a reporter from the Turun Sanomat (the largest newspaper in Turku) to attend a reading and discussion of Suomalaiset: People of the Marsh I gave at the Institute in December 2006. Much of what I conveyed during my talk had to be done through a translator but, in the end, Jarkko liked my book well enough: Well enough to promise he’d help translate the novel into Finnish and get it published in Finland. As the former head of the Union of Finnish Writers, I figured he had the know-how and the clout to get the job done. We had a nice chat, corresponded a bit after I came home, but sadly, Jarkko Laine died in August of 2006 before the translation project ever got off the ground.
I’m letting you know all this because, as I said, I came across a brief blog by American poet and essayist, Stephen Kuusisto, about a similar connection he had to Jarkko. You can read Steve’s short essay about Jarkko at:
I liked what Steve had to say about our mutual acquaintance, who I remember as a generous and kind hearted man with a very serious streak. So I emailed Steve who is far better known than I am: He’s actually been on NPR’s “All Things Considered” with his work! He emailed me back and now, according to Steve, we’re Internet friends. Cool.
Here’s the thing. My connection to Steve wouldn’t have happened but for the generosity of Olavi and Jarkko, two men of a certain age trying to help an American novelist they’d never met get a book published in Finland. Didn’t happen with Suomalaiset. But maybe, with some luck and some well intentioned folks in my corner, Sukulaiset might find a home in Finland.
There’s a direct link to Stephen Kuusisto’s website under the “Links” section found on the right side of this blog. Listen to his essay about nearly being hit by a bus in New York. You won’t be disappointed.
Peace.
Mark
