Helsinki Book Fair, Saturday 24 Oct 2026

 

Helsinki Book Fair 24 Oct 2026. The 2026 non-fiction book awards of Suomen Tietokirjailijat / The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers, l to r: Kai Ekholm, Jenni Räihä, Ilkka Taipale and Vappu Taipale (absent: Markku Heikkilä). Hosted by Timo Tossavainen, Chairman. Photo: Omer Levin / Helsinki Book Fair.

Helsingin Kirjamessut / Helsinki Book Fair. Helsingin Messukeskus / Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre. Messuaukio, 00520 Helsinki (Pasila).

My trajectory:

SATURDAY 24 OCT 2026

11:00-11:30 TÖÖLÖ

Tykkäsin! Kirjallisuuskritiikin tila / I Liked! The Condition of Literary Criticism. In the attention economy, identification and discussion of the theme threaten to displace analytical literary criticism. What is the impact of literary criticism on reading choices, the visibility of authors and literary prestige? Suomen Kirjailijaliitto. Tommi Melender and Elina Rouhiainen, interviewed by Markku Soikkeli.

Helsinki Book Fair 24 Oct 2026. Language: Humour in Finnish. L to r: Jussi Lehmusvesi (moderator), Anna Brotkin, Eeva Vekki, Jarno Hietalahti. Photo: Omer Levin / Helsinki Book Fair.

12:00-12:30 SENAATINTORI

Kieli-teemakeskustelu: suomi huumorin kielenä / Theme Discussion on Language: Finnish as a language of humour. The comedian, author Eeva Vekki, the scholar on humour Jarno Hietalahti and the playwright Anna Brotkin. Hosted by Jussi Lehmusvesi.

12:30-13:00  KRUUNUNHAKA

Suomen Tietokirjailijat / The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers: 2026 Awards for Non-Fiction Books: Kai Ekholm, Jenni Räihä, Ilkka Taipale and Vappu Taipale (absent: Markku Heikkilä). Hosted by Timo Tossavainen (chairman) and Markus Hotakainen (vice-chairman).

KAI EKHOLM

"Professor Kai Ekholm, PhD, is a prolific non-fiction author who has published over 30 books. His professional career includes serving as the National Librarian of the National Library of Finland from 2001 until his retirement in 2018. He has also held leadership roles such as Chair of the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) committee of IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) and Chair of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL).

Ekholm’s career as an author spans many years. Following his early work in the 1980s—which included overviews of science fiction and crime fiction—he turned his focus to the "banned books" removed from Finnish public libraries during the country’s post-war recovery. This research culminated in his doctoral dissertation, Kielletyt kirjat 1944–1946 – Yleisten kirjastojen kirjapoistot vuosina 1944–1946 ("Banned Books 1944–1946: The Removal of Books from Public Libraries, 1944–1946"; University of Oulu, 2020). Since then, he has explored themes of censorship and the mistreatment of libraries in several of his works. His pace of publication has only accelerated since his retirement; in recent years, he has further broadened his scope as an author by writing biographical works, among other projects. ...on Anselm Hollo (Anselm Hollo – Beatnik planeettamatkalla, Rosebud Books, 2022), Jörn Donner (Jörn Donner, kuinka te kehtaatte, Docendo, 2020), and Matti Klinge (Mies jolla oli Matti Klingen kasvot, Otava, 2024).

Kai Ekholm is known as a staunch advocate for freedom of expression and for researchers; when necessary, he is not afraid to take a spirited stand in defense of citizens’ literacy, the value of sivistys (Bildung), and the role of libraries as the memory of the nation. As a non-fiction author, Ekholm is precise and meticulous, and the personal touch in his writing is engaging."

MARKKU HEIKKILÄ

"Markku Heikkilä worked in various roles at the newspaper Kaleva from 1986 to 2010, during which time he closely followed the development of cooperation in the North and the Arctic. Since 2010, he has served as the Head of Science Communication at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland. In this capacity, he has worked to raise awareness of Arctic research and its societal significance, both in Finland and internationally.

As a non-fiction author, Heikkilä has documented the evolution of Arctic cooperation and Finnish Arctic thought. Arktiset visiot (Pohjoinen, 1998) offers a multifaceted, eyewitness account of the birth of international Arctic cooperation. In the work Jos menetämme Arktiksen ("If We Lose the Arctic"; Arctic Centre, 2019), he examines the evolution of Finland’s Arctic thinking from the 1980s to the present day. Arktinen kattaus ("An Arctic Spread"—co-authored with Marjo Laukkanen; Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Europe Information, 2016) portrays Finland as an Arctic nation and highlights individuals from across the country who possess expertise in everyday Arctic life. The book Arktisen maailman jäljillä ("On the Trail of the Arctic World"; Into, 2023)—also available in English—brings the Arctic knowledge Heikkilä has accumulated over decades to an international readership. Based on 25 years of travel across the eight nations of the Arctic region, the work weaves together personal observations, history, Arctic cultures, Indigenous peoples, and geopolitics into an accessible narrative.

Heikkilä’s achievement lies in his ability—sustained over decades—to combine the precision of a journalist, the insight of a non-fiction author, and the skill of a science communicator in making complex Arctic issues understandable. His body of work serves as a valuable record of an era when Arctic cooperation emerged and evolved—and which, amidst geopolitical shifts, has now entered a new phase."

JENNI RÄINÄ

"The work of Oulu-based author and journalist Jenni Räinä centers on nature, humanity, and the evolving relationship between the two. In her non-fiction books, Räinä moves fluidly between personal experience, journalistic research, and broad societal issues. Her works take a close look at Northern Finland in particular, shedding light on the changes taking place both in the environment and within individuals.

Reunalla – Tarinoita Suomen tyhjeneviltä sivukyliltä (Like, 2017) depicts life on the geographical and experiential fringes of Finnish society. Metsä meidän jälkeemme (Like, 2019)—created in collaboration with Pekka Juntti, Anna Ruohonen, and photographer Anssi Jokiranta—delves into the state of Finnish forests and how they are utilized. Kulkijat – naisia ​​metsissä, soilla ja tuntureilla (Like, 2021) examines women’s relationship with nature, while Veden ajat (Like, 2025) continues Räinä’s characteristic exploration of environmental change, viewed through the lens of her own childhood and broader societal shifts.

Jenni Räinä is a distinctive, expressive, and bold non-fiction author. Her work combines rigorous journalistic research with strong literary prose and an ability to focus on the individual amidst major societal and ecological transformations. Räinä writes about the great issues of our time from an intimate and deeply moving perspective. He knows how to confront pain and raw reality, infusing them with a touch of hope—a quality that makes complex themes more accessible to the reader. Räinä does not leave the reader alone. His body of work broadens our understanding of the Finnish natural world and invites us to reflect on our own relationship with nature and what we want it to become in the future."

ILKKA TAIPALE

"Ilkka Taipale, an Adjunct Professor of Social Medicine, is a psychiatrist, politician, and civic activist. His career has included roles as a Member of Parliament, chief physician, and professor. He has also been active in numerous non-governmental organizations, such as the Committee of 100 (Sadankomitea), the Peace Union of Finland, and Physicians Against Nuclear War.

In his writings, Ilkka Taipale has highlighted the problems faced by men—particularly those who are marginalized, such as the homeless, those struggling with alcoholism, and the lonely. His more recent works include Mielisairaalassa – Lääkärin muistelmat (In a Psychiatric Hospital – A Doctor’s Memoirs; Into, 2017), Pois puute, pois kurjuus – Pari kerppua kirjoituksia (Away with Want, Away with Misery – A Collection of Writings; Kustannus Kunnia, 2019), and Sinisilmäinen pasifisti – Kirjoituksia seitsemältä vuosikymmeneltä (The Naive Pacifist – Writings from Seven Decades; Rosebud Books, 2024), as well as a joint memoir with Vappu Taipale titled Taipaleella (Into, 2022). Among the dozens of works he has edited, 100 sosiaalista innovaatiota Suomesta (100 Social Innovations from Finland; Itämerikeskussäätiö, 2006; revised edition SKS, 2013; revised edition Into, 2017) is particularly noteworthy. With over 50 translations, it is the second most translated Finnish work, following only the Kalevala. Ilkka Taipale’s body of work is characterized not only by an expert approach but also by firm conviction and profound empathy. He has never been one to bow before icons or figures of authority. A courageous writer, he consistently stands on the side of the vulnerable and fights against social inequality. Ilkka Taipale’s works are written with high quality and a lively, engaging style; even his earlier publications have stood the test of time remarkably well."

VAPPU TAIPALE

"Professor Vappu Taipale is a physician, psychiatrist, and politician. She has served as Minister of Social Affairs and Health and has headed the National Board of Social Welfare, as well as its successors—the National Board of Social Welfare and Health and STAKES (the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health). Taipale specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and has held positions at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, as well as at the universities of Tampere and Kuopio.

Throughout her career, Vappu Taipale has authored numerous books in her field, ranging from medical publications and popular non-fiction to guides on life skills. The central theme of most of these works revolves around the well-being of children and young people, with a particular focus on mental health. Her very first book, co-authored with Eero Valanne, was titled Lastenpsykiatria (Child Psychiatry) (WSOY, 1971). Later works include, for example, Nuoruusiän kriisit (Adolescent Crises; co-authored with Tor-Björn Hägglund and Kari Pylkkänen, Gummerus, 1978), Lasten mielenterveystyö (Mental Health Work for Children, WSOY, 1992), and Rakas lapsi – Muistoja & ymmärrystä kasvamisesta (Dear Child – Memories & Understanding of Growing Up, Into, 2019). Older adults have also been a focus for Vappu Taipale; works directed at this demographic include Isoäitikirja (The Grandmother Book, WSOY, 2002; revised edition, Into, 2017) and Vanha ja vireä – Virkistyskirja vanhoille naisille (Old and Vibrant – A Book of Refreshment for Older Women, WSOY, 2011; revised edition, Into, 2017).

Vappu Taipale’s body of work combines solid professional expertise with a deep concern for the well-being of people—especially children, young people, and the elderly. She has addressed topics and problems that are far from easy, and for which there are no simple solutions—issues that, regrettably, have become increasingly relevant in contemporary society. A sense of human warmth permeates her work. Her books are written in an engaging, accessible style, skillfully weaving together personal experience and broader social phenomena."

AA: An engrossing event made even greater by an exceptional speech by Ilkka Taipale. I hope it can be made generally available. One of the great speeches of Finland.

    Edited by Ilkka Taipale, 100 Innovations from Finland: How Finland Became Finland (2006, 2017) is my candidate for the best Finnish book of all times (fiction and non-fiction). By 2023, it had been translated into 53 languages. It is the second most translated Finnish book after Kalevala.

Ilkka Taipale: Sata innovaatiota Suomesta / A Hundred Innovations from Finland (2006). Revised edition: Into 2017.