Niillas Holmberg nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize

Sami poet, musician, actor, and cultural and environmental activist Niillas Holmberg was nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize for his new poetry collection Underfoot.

As the jury stated in its rationale:

Underfoot is like a political and cunning joik that even the underworld can rely on. This is a volume of poetry in which both the illustrations and the well-chosen words build an aesthetic that allows for a broader mindset towards nature conservation, in terms of both willingness and knowledge.

Underfoot is a collection of poems that emphasises the connection between people and the earth. It praises nature folklore whilst questioning whether it fits in with our contemporary mind and way of life.

It is the second time Holmberg was been shortlisted for the award. More information can be found on Nordic Council’s website.

Congratulations to the author!

Interviews with writers!

We are continuing our creative literary interviews series with HLA’s writers! Finlandia Prize-awarded Riikka Pelo, the author of the incredibly painful, deeply multilayered, breathtaking reflection of our time All that Is Alive discusses compassion, Rilke’s angels and our cultural roots. And of course, the beloved questionnaire! Read the interview here.

(Photo: Liisa Takala)

Interviews with writers!

We are continuing our creative literary interviews series with HLA’s writers! This time, Lauri Mäkinen, the author of the incredible 50/50 talks about combining suspenseful crime with history, the silliness of Nordic Noir genre and exciting future projects. And of course, the entertaining questionnaire! Read the interview here.

(Photo: Laura Malmivaara)