MOOMINSUMMER MADNESS by Tove Jansson — reviewed by Stella

Moominsummer Madness by Tove Jansson

Reading aloud is always a pleasure and listening is even better, especially when you are revisiting a favourite book. I first discovered the Moomins in the sale bin of the Stoke Library (when it was housed in the little wooden building). It was a 5-cent book and I thought it was magical. I knew nothing at that time about the Moomin series nor the author Tove Janssen, and didn’t know I would meet someone who had grown up on these Finnish classics, and that then I would discover the rest of the Moomin books. My copy of Moominsummer Madness was a well-read paperback with the usual library markings of a deaccessioned book, some dog ears, a few pages taped in, and the usual library stamps declaring cancelled. The copies we keep in stock at VOLUME are lovely hardbacks with the original illustrations, wonderful Moomin Valley maps, and gorgeous endpapers. In Moominsummer Madness, the family wakes up to a flooded valley and the water keeps rising. They move to the roof and make a getaway in the boat, along with the table and chairs, a supply of tea, and a few provisions. Fortunately, they come across a new home to make into a temporary abode. It’s a rather strange place. One wall is missing. Here hallways come to dead ends and some doors open to nowhere. There are moving curtains and painted scenery that changes unexpectedly and mysterious rooms filled with things that don’t quite work as one would expect. There is a strange sound coming from one corner of the main room and the owner of the mumbling voice won’t show themselves. Despite all this, the Moomin family, along with the irrepressible Little My, her scolding sister the Mymble’s daughter, the lamentable Misabel, and the philosophical Womper, make the best of the situation. All is going along well, until Little My falls through the trapdoor and disappears into the water, Moomintroll and the Snork Maiden are left abandoned in a tree during an overnight camping expedition, and the strange building floats away after the contemptuous stage manager Emma heaves out the ‘anchor’. As the Moomins find out about theatres and acting and plan a play, Moomintroll and the Snork Maiden make their way to land, only to be arrested for a crime they didn’t commit. The culprit of this ‘crime’ has just taken on 24 small woodies and rescued Little My. The culprit being the freewheeling Snufkin. Keep an eye out for glowing Hattifattners, dramas on the water and on the stage, and wonderful characters who will become your best friends. If you haven’t read the Moomin stories yet, you are missing out. And yes, it all works out well for everyone, almost.