The Year of the Hare

A Novel

By: Arto Paasilinna

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Vatanen, a journalist, is feeling burned out and sick of the city. One summer evening, he and a photographer set out on an assignment, and as they drive through the country, the car hits a young hare. Vatanen leaves the car to save the injured creature, and the grateful animal adopts him. This small incident becomes a turning point in Vatanen’s life as he decides to break free from the world’s constraints. He quits his job, leaves his wife, and sells his possessions to travel the Finnish wilds with his newfound friend. During their farcical adventures they encounter forest fires, pagan sacrifices, military war games, killer bears, political scandals, and much more.

ARTO PAASILINNA is a writer whose works have been at the top of the bestseller lists for twenty years. His books long remained unnoticed by Finland’s chronically antagonistic literary critics, but thanks to his great popularity, many of them have reassessed their opinions. In France, his books have not only proven bestsellers but also critical triumphs.

©2010 Translation 1995 by Herbert Lomas; foreword 2010 by Pico Iyer (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Paasilinna has been amusing Finns for thirty years and readers in twenty-five languages.” ( New York Times)

“This picaresque novel could simply depict a middle-age crisis, but it reaches beyond fantasy or fiction, becoming mythic in its universal themes. The story is inventive, satirical, and quite humorous.” ( Booklist)

“I love The Year of the Hare…Which of us wouldn’t secretly want to live in a novel as fresh and as full of events as this one?” ( Pico Iyer)

Delightful

I loved this book. The narrator does a great job (as he did in The Girl w/ the Dragon Tatoo series).

The author creates a beautiful narrative and his descriptions put you there with the man and the hare. You remain fully engaged through the tale. Listen and enjoy.

Fantastic

My words can't do it justice but I listened to it twice in a row . excellent! The forward is great as well as the after words. The narrator for me is one of the best I have heard. A great story teller. A great story. I think a man and a woman could both enjoy it equally. It was kind of soul soothing.

Entertaining and Amusing

I listened to this on audio, and it was a quick listen. This is also the first time I recall reading a book by a Finnish author, so it was an interesting perspective. I liked the story of the man who walked away from it all and traveled with a hare. They got into interesting scrapes, and the story was told in a humorous manner. Overall, this was an amusing, entertaining story.

why did I wait???

For some reason this sat in my library unread for a few months. I just stumbled upon it unread and hit play. LOVE! Did not want to stop listening. A delightful, laugh out loud, engaging book.

Get This!

The style is similar to Frederik Backman's writing (A Man Called Ove). This book is equally delightful and charming. I will definitely be searching for more by this author!

Heartwarming

Absolutely heartwarming, enjoyable story. It was a very good, light hearted story, that renews faith in humanity and kindness. Loved it!

The year of the hare

Much better than I was anticipating. Funny, wry, ironic and just entertaining. Enjoy and share. Loved the ending too

A True Joy

A delightful book about a man who travels around Finland with a rabbit as they have one oddball adventure after another. Very enjoyable.

What a pleasant surprise.

Any additional comments?

Got this on a daily deal, it's a great "feel good book". Simon Vance is the best narrator.

Good read!

Interesting tale of a man and a journey. It was a nice read as I was traveling. There aren’t many who have this much compassion for life.