WeeGee Reads: Emmi Itäranta

WeeGee Reads 13.4. Emmi Itäranta: The Past and the Future

In April, WeeGee Reads welcomes the popular author Emmi Itäranta, who will release her highly anticipated fourth novel, Lumenlaulaja, in the autumn of 2025. The book tells the story of the Kalevala from the perspective of Louhi, blending the past, the future, and fantasy. Louhi’s enchanting origin story takes us into a mythical past, a world of magical powers and transformations. There is harmony and respect between humans, nature, and animals—until the idyll is shattered, and greed, vengeance, and the thirst for power emerge.

Itäranta has previously written three novels, all characterized by a poetically beautiful language, dystopian themes, and ecological perspectives. Her debut novel, Teemestarin kirja (Memory of Water), has been translated into over 20 languages, won numerous literary awards, and was adapted into the film Veden vartija in 2022. Itäranta writes in both Finnish and English, translating her own books into English. After Teemestarin kirja (2012), she has published two award-winning novels: Kudottujen kujien kaupunki (The City of Woven Streets, 2015) and Kuunpäivän kirjeet (The Moonday Letters, 2020).

Emmi Itäranta will talk about her work and books in EMMAs exhibition on Karin Hellman. Like Itäranta, Hellman was interested in modern societal phenomena and visions of the future. Her works also reflect an anti-war sentiment. Itäranta will be interviewed by EMMA’s curator Nanne Raivio. The event will also include a silent book club segment.

Before WeeGee Reads, visitors can participate in a guided tour of the Karin Hellman exhibition from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. The tour and the event are included in the museum ticket.

Schedule:

1:00 PM: Guided tour of the Karin Hellman exhibition

2:00 PM: Emmi Itäranta, interviewed by Nanne Raivio

2:45 PM: Silent book club

3:15 PM: Final discussion with light facilitation

WeeGee Reads, produced in collaboration with the Exhibition Centre WeeGee, Publishing House Teos, and EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, brings literature back to the former printing house, WeeGee. The chosen theme is explored through author interviews, reading, and discussion.