A Man Called Haavikko - 2

It looks as though Mauno Saari's controversial biography of the Finnish modern classic poet Paava Haavikko may have gone too far in challenging the accepted image of Haavikko as a standard-bearer of Finland's cultural and literary heritage. The book's emphasis on the less inspiring, human aspects of Haavikko's life and career, particularly in his final days, have upset many people, including the poet's son and carer Heikki, who last year tried in the law courts to stop publication of the work. More recently, the Council for Mass Media in Finland turned down a complaint from Saari about an article in the Helsingin Sanomat daily which reproduced part of an interview with Heikki, defending his father against the picture that is painted in the book.

See also in this blog: A Man Called Haavikko