Translated by Elizabeth Portch
I’ve never read a Moomin book until now – and if it hadn’t been for Mallika of Literary Potpourri and Chris of Calmgrove hosting #Moominweek this week (in time for Paula’s Moomin-themed wedding), I would probably never have picked one up. I’ve seen some of the cartoons/animated series, but it hadn’t occurred to me that I might enjoy reading the books. With no idea where to start – I’ve found several recommended reading orders, which aren’t necessarily chronological – I decided to begin with Finn Family Moomintroll and I think it was a good choice! As it was originally published in Swedish, it also counts towards Women in Translation Month.
First of all, what are Moomins? Well, they’re small, troll-like creatures who live in Moominvalley. There’s Moomintroll and his parents, Moominmamma and Moominpappa, and an assortment of friends including the Snork and the Snork Maiden (a related species, but with hair), Sniff, a strange little creature resembling a kangaroo who has been adopted by the family, and Snufkin, who wears old clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. You can see some of them, and others, in the illustration below:
Finn Family Moomintroll begins with the Moomin family preparing for their winter hibernation. After waking up again in spring, the book then takes us through the rest of the year, during which the Moomins have a series of adventures revolving around the discovery of a top hat belonging to a Hobgoblin. The hat turns out to have magical powers – some eggshells dropped into it become clouds for the children to ride on, and when Moomintroll himself hides inside it during a game, he too undergoes an unexpected transformation. The Moomins also go on an expedition to the Island of the Hattifatteners, are visited by two tiny creatures called Thingumy and Bob, and finally encounter the Hobgoblin, who has come in search of the missing King’s Ruby.
This book was first published in 1948 (and translated into English in 1950) and is the third in the Moomins series by order of publication. Although it would have been helpful to see how the various characters were first introduced, I didn’t really feel that I’d missed out on much by not reading the previous two books first – and in fact, this one was apparently marketed as the first in the series until the 1980s. I do wonder about the original Swedish title, Trollkarlens hatt, which translates to The Magician’s Hat; he is referred to as a Hobgoblin in the edition I read, but ‘Magician’ would have made more sense, I think.
The book has an episodic feel, with each chapter almost a separate little story in itself, linked by the common thread of the Hobgoblin’s Hat and its magical properties. There’s a focus on the relationships between friends and family members and on the various quirks and eccentricities of the characters. It’s obviously aimed at children, but as with all good children’s books it can be enjoyed by adults as well. I’m not even sure if I would have liked it as a child; I was never a big fan of the adaptations and I think I probably appreciated the book more now than I would have done when I was younger.
There aren’t really any deep themes here, but there’s a message of kindness and tolerance (the Moomins welcome all sorts of visitors and unusual creatures into the Moominhouse) which would have been more relevant than ever in the aftermath of World War II. I’ve heard that some of the later books in the series have more depth. I’ll probably try another one, although not immediately, and I’m interested in reading Tove Jansson’s adult books as well.
She Reads Novels 
There are Moomin shops and cafes all over Helsinki airport. My brother-in-law had great fun going round them and taking photos when he was there on a business trip recently. (His bosses don’t know this!)
Something to look out for if I’m ever in Helsinki airport!
Glad you enjoyed this, Helen. I think Finn Family (which I’ll also be reviewing later in the week) is probably among the lighter ones with those short episodic adventures which children would likely enjoy. But as you’ve noticed too, there’s much for adults to appreciate with the themes of family, kindness, or even having a space (home) which welcomes all standing out here as well. Thank you for joining in. I hope you enjoy the other books you read them you get to them. I am hoping to try out some of her books for adults too!
I’ll look out for your review of this one. I think it was a good book for me to start with as it was a light, easy read, but I’m interested in reading some of the others and seeing how they compare.
I remember the cartoon series in the 90’s and know people who rave about the books. I do think they’re pretty cool characters. I even have a Moomin 2024 calendar up at the moment! I’ve been meaning to read the books (and her later/other works too as I’ve heard very good things about them) and might be able to shoehorn at least some of them in next year. I’m guessing that they’ll be *quick* reads [grin].
Yes, they’re quick, light reads (at least this one was) so I’m sure you could squeeze a few in!
I’m glad you enjoyed this, although it’s one I haven’t read. You’re right, it’s about kindness and tolerance; Moominmama should be a national figure!
I loved Moominmama and the way she stayed so calm despite all the strange little creatures descending on her house!
I’d forgotten all about the Moomins! I don’t think I ever read any of these books, but I was aware of them. Maybe some day I’ll give one a try. THey are awfully cute little guys.
I had forgotten about them as well until I saw that Chris and Mallika were hosting a Moomin Week. I’m glad I’ve tried one of the books now!
I’m glad Mallika and I were able to introduce you to the Moomins, Helen: the more I read the novels the more I sense their virtues so I’m grateful to whoever it was who first persuaded me to give them a go, despite my reservations! But yes, do read her adult works – I’ve got so much out of the ones I’ve so far finished.
Thank you to you and Mallika for hosting this week, otherwise I would probably have never even thought about reading a Moomin book. I’m pleased to hear you’ve got a lot out of Jansson’s adult books as well.
Whatever you do, Helen, start with Jansson’s adult novel The Summer Book – I don’t know of anyone who’s read it who hasn’t fallen under its spell.
I am such a fan of Jansson’s adult novels, but have only just read my second Moomin novel – I do wonder how many people are equally fans of both. They are so different, though that underlying theme of kindness you mention is often there in the adult books.
I must try one of her adult novels soon. I think they would be more to my taste than this one, although I did find it quite enjoyable.
It’s been ages since I read a Moomintroll book, and they were a delight – except for one. There was such an overwhelming air of sadness in that one I couldn’t finish it. I think it must have been Moominvalley in November; I just now found it on the shelf and the bookmark is still there, pp 138/139.
Yes, I’d heard there were one or two Moomin books with a darker feel. Sorry you weren’t able to finish that one.
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would and the feeling is creeping up on me as I read other reviews from the Week that I’m going to have to get and read them all! I loved Moominmamma and the themes of kindness and accommodating everyone and trying to understand them. I was terrified of them when I was younger!