Norfolk Library Book Group with Mark Scarbrough: Riikka Pulkkinen, True (2010)

Continuing his theme of books by Finnish authors, Mark has selected Riikka Pulkkinen’s novel True for the next book discussion. Pulkkinen is a Finnish author, who has published six novels. Currently living in Helsinki, she was born and raised in Oulu in North Finland. She gained wide international attention with her second novel, True, which was shortlisted for the Finlandia Prize, the most prestigious literary award in Finland. 

A grandmother lying on her deathbed recounts the story of her family as questions of truth and memory are raised. Elsa’s husband, Martti, and daughter Eleonoora are struggling to accept the crushing thought that they are soon to lose her. As Elsa becomes ever more fragile, Eleonoora’s childhood memories are slipping away. Meanwhile, Eleonoora’s daughter Anna spends her time pondering the fates of passersby. For her the world is full of stories. But the story that will change her forever is the one about Eeva, her mother’s nanny, whom her grandparents have been silent about for years. Eeva’s forgotten story, which Anna first learns of when she discovers an old dress of Eeva’s, is finally revealed layer by layer. The tale that unfolds is about a mother and daughter, about how memory can deceive us—and sometimes that is the most merciful thing that can happen.

If you are new to the Book Group and would like to participate, please email Mark at markwrites@bruceandmark.com, and he will email you a formal invitation link to the online discussion group. The group meets via Zoom on select Thursdays 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. or 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.