Summer Fishing in Lapland by Juhani Karila

Pushkin Press. Paperback. NEW. In the captivating world of Lapland, Elina embarks on her annual pilgrimage to a remote family farm. The pristine beauty of this enchanting landscape is overshadowed by a dire predicament - within the span of three days, Elina must catch a pike in a nearby pond, or face the horrifying consequence of losing her own life and the life of her beloved partner. This year, however, the task becomes significantly more treacherous as Elina finds herself confronted by a multitude of deadly supernatural creatures lurking in the shadows, eagerly seeking to thwart her mission. As if that weren't enough, an astute homicide detective relentlessly pursues her, adding another layer of suspense to her already perilous journey. Will Elina be able to overcome these seemingly insurmountable obstacles and catch the elusive pike that holds the key to breaking the curse that has plagued her since a bitter love affair in her youth? Or will the weight of her past mistakes and the mystical forces conspiring against her prove to be her undoing? Amidst the stunning Scandinavian backdrop, Sergeant Janatuinen finds himself unwillingly drawn into Elina's quest. Leaning on his years of experience and canine-like determination, he embarks on a mission to both protect his jurisdiction and uncover the truth behind the mysterious events unfolding in this peculiar Lapland summer. As the story unfolds, the true nature of Lapland in summer reveals itself - a bewitching paradox of familiarity and otherworldliness. Its ethereal beauty is marred by the existence of creatures that defy logical explanation, remaining hidden from the eyes of most, but haunting the fringes of Elina's reality. In a race against relentless time, Elina and Janatuinen navigate the treacherous landscape of Lapland, risking life and limb to achieve their respective goals. They must confront their own limitations, as well as the dark secrets that have consumed them. It is a journey that pushes the boundaries of their understanding and forces them to confront the very essence of what it means to be human. With each page, the magnetic prose of this masterpiece by an author of unparalleled depth and skill captures the reader's imagination, transporting them into a world that is at once familiar and utterly unknown. The delicate balance between wit, magic, and the profound depths of human emotion woven into the fabric of this narrative envelops the reader, leaving them captivated and yearning for more. As the story reaches its crescendo, the final confrontation looms, and the fate of Elina and Janatuinen hangs by the thinnest of threads. Will they emerge from this vortex of supernatural chaos unscathed? Or will they be forever bound to the whims of a curse that has tormented them for far too long? In Lapland's summer twilight, where reality and enchantment intertwine, the true essence of humanity is revealed. It is a world that demands to be explored, navigated, and savored, as it offers both profound wisdom and heart-wrenching emotion. Brace yourself, for the journey that lies ahead will transport you to the very depths of your soul and back, forever altering the way you perceive the world.