Notes from an Island

I absolutely loved this short listen and was so captivated, by the story and the telling, that I listened to it in one sitting. Sandi Toksvig was perfect as the narrator, her Scandinavian background allowing her to add depth to the narrative and pronunciation. This is a memoir of dedication and love in isolation. I had no idea that Tove gave the world the Moomins and I shall view those creatures in a different context, Tove and Tooti want to work on their artistic projects away from people. .Their first attempt fails because the isolated aspect becomes so popular with visitors that some stay….They find another skerry and set about building a cabin and this is the story of that work against the odds. The descriptions really capture the stark reality of life on the edge of a cold and bleak ocean. I loved the intimate detail about carving a tiny wooden salt spoon; one can sense their dedication, perseverance and talent. It’s haunting and memorable and although short, it’s profound.

Tove Jansson was a well known Swedish speaking Finnish author/illustrator whose charming memoir Notes from an Island highlights over thirty years where she and her life partner Tuulikki (Tooti) Pietala spent six months out of each year on a remote atoll 30 miles west of Helsinki.
Jansson is best known for her creation of the Moomintroll family which are beloved children’s books
widely translated into many languages. Tooti, one of Finland’s great graphic artists also benefited from the experience of living in such a wild place. In sparse prose Jansson chronicles the discovery of the atoll and the decision with help from a group of local seaman to construct a sturdy cabin where the couple lived, wrote , fished and drew inspiration for their joint artistic efforts. The reader receives a unique glimpse into the sometimes humorous and challenging life of living on a rocky outcropping in the middle of a rough sea. While previously available only in print this new audio edition is brilliantly interpreted by Sandi Toksvig whose expressive voice handles the challenges of the many Finnish words intertwined in the text.

This is a fascinating short memoir by Tove Jansson, when she and her friend lived on a completely remote island in Scandinavia. I can't even imagine the work and the isolation and the adventure! Tove Jansson has a beautiful, haunting writing voice and Sandy Tokvig is one of my favorite people so the audiobook is a delight!
I highly recommend this to pretty much anyone!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC!

Notes from an Island by Tove Jansson & Tuulikki Pietilä and narrated by Sandi Toksvig is a short listen but a beautiful one. As a GenXr who was absolutely in love with the Moomins, I jumped at the chance to listen to this audiobook which was co-authored by the artist of one of my favourite childrens books of all time

The couple want peace and quiet, a home away from others where they can be their true selves and live their art. They are determined to build their home and while the first is overrun by curious fans, they do not lose hope and go on to try again in a harsh and unforgiving environment, but warmed by their relationship and creativity

An absolutely wonderful audiobook and highly recommended

Thank you to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, the author Tove Jansson & Tuulikki Pietilä and narrator Sandi Toksvig for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

A beautiful and poetic prayer celebrating nature and the wildness of life. Like two hippies living in a commune, the found family of Jansson and Pietilä help them build and strengthen a life of freedom.

I already had this book and loved it but it's given a whole new life in this brilliant audio version read by Sandi Toksvig. She brings out all the beautiful, small moments of humour and joy and some of the poignancy of Tove's last days on the island. I listened to this as I was driving down the motorway and in the last ten minutes of the book I drove with tears trickling down my cheeks. Absolutely gorgeous. Definitely one to listen to alongside the book, so that you get the beautiful paintings by Tuulike to immerse yourself in too. Just gorgeous.