The Year of the Hare
Arto Paasilinna
Peter Owen Ltd
This 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. It is also refreshingly sentimental, [reaffirming] our connection with the animal world and our inherent need for happiness and freedom to maintain quality of life."" - Booklist. ""His protagonists...are like Vatanen, strong - some very strong - eccentric and often loners.  He makes sardonic fun of Finnish bureaucrats, German tourists, the Finnish military and selfish young people.""-New York Times.  A journalist and a photographer set out on an assignment on a lovely sunny evening. As they drive through the country they hit a young hare. Vatanen, the journalist, leaves the car and goes in search of the injured creature. The grateful animal adopts Vatanen and together the two scamper through farcical adventures and political scandal.