Fiction
Firewing
by JP Koskinen
Description
An expansive, emotionally rich bildungsroman and epic tale covering large parts of the 20th century, Firewing follows a group of immigrants in search of a paradise, and one boy whose biggest dream is to fly—no matter what it takes.
In an America ravaged by the Great Depression, a family with a Finnish background hears rumors of a workers’ paradise being built in the Soviet Union. They leave everything behind and travel across the Atlantic in search of a better future. They arrive in Petrozavodsk on the shores of Lake Onega, but soon realize that life in Soviet Karelia is not a paradise but a struggle for survival. In the middle of it all is Charles, the only son, and his dreams of freedom and flying that offer the only escape from the harsh realities and the circle of deception around him.
Firewing is an immigrant coming-of-age story about trying to find a way through the turmoil of the early 20th century. It is a sublime and profound novel about a boy who only wants to fly.
More Information
Rights Information
Translation rights available.
Marketing Information
Winner of the Savonia Prize!
Winner of the Book of the Year Award 2019!
Nominated for The Finlandia Prize 2019!
Reviews
"A book about a boy who dreams of getting wings takes the reader all the way from the Depression era US to the Soviet Union, where a workers’ paradise is being built. It grows into a tragic tale of power, persecution, and a world gone sick. The book combines fascinating topics into a captivating plotline." –Jury of the Finlandia Prize
"Impossible to put down." –Gloria magazine
"Fluent, vibrant prose." –Hämeen Sanomat
"A full, emotionally rich bildungsroman." –Lapin Kansa
"A virtuoso storyteller … Amazing novel." –Etelä-Suomen Sanomat
Author Biography
JP Koskinen is a versatile author who has written historical fiction, crime, and children’s books. He has been short listed for the Finlandia Prize twice, for Firewing and for My Friend Rasputin. He holds master’s degrees in creative writing and mathematics.
Ferly
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View all titlesBibliographic Information
- Publisher LIKE
- Orginal LanguageFinnish
- Publication Country or regionFinland
- Publish StatusPublished
- Original Language TitleTulisiipi
- Copyright Year2019
