Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi

It's been a while since I posted. I apologize for that.  Work, research, and home have kept me busy, and I've found myself more active on Twitter: @ReluctantPhila1. 

At the end of August I joined Postcrossing and have been happily exchanging postcards across the country and world.  Sending and receiving cards has brought immense joy to me, and I hope to those with whom I have had the pleasure to correspond. 

I've been the recipient of several book recommendations which include: 

• The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair / Joel Dicker 
• Martin Eden / Jack London 
• Burning Daylight / Jack London 
• Sovereign / Machiavelli 
• the novels by Boris Akunin 

Right now I am reading (in English translation) Seven Brothers (Seitsemän veljestä) by Finnish author Aleksis Kivi.  The recommendation came from a recent Finnish Postcrossing card which depicted his home in Tuusula. 

 

Kivi's home is the bottom left photo. 

Kivi's work is the first novel written in Finnish, and according to my Postcrossing correspondent, it is read by every schoolchild in Finland as part of their instruction.  I highly recommend reading this article by BBC writer Lizzie Enfield. She delves into the importance of this work on Finnish society and culture. 

The novel has an interesting format; there are narrative portions, but it reminds me more of a play. Kivi structures the dialogue like one would see in a playscript, and it's the dialogue that drives the plot forward. 

I have a small amount of Finnish stamps, and I remembered one semi-postal set that depicted the Seven Brothers.  A little more digging, and I found I had a few that either were directly related to the novel or were reminiscent of the story. 

Stanley Gibbons FI 768-770  / Scott FI B188-B190

This set of semi-postals was issued on 8 May 1970.  The stamps depict three scenes from the novel. Moving clockwise from the upper left; Chapter 7 "On the Magic Stone" ; Chapter 5 "The Pale Girl" ; Chapter 10 "Juhani on Impivaara Rock."  This set was designed by Pentti Rahikainen. 

Stanley Gibbons FI 1067 and Scott FI 697

This stamp, released on 10 October 1984, commemorates the 150th Birthday of Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872).  It was designed by Pirkko Vahtero. (Her Christmas stamps are absolutely gorgeous!).  

There are two more stamps that were issued to commemorate Kivi and the novel. However, I, unfortunately, do not yet own them. (added them to my stamp wish list!).  

In 1934 this stamp was issued to commemorate Kivi's 100th birthday. It was designed by Germund Paaer.

                       

                                                          Stanley Gibbons FI 302 / Scott FI 206 

More recently, on 9 October 1997, Finland released a series honoring 100 Years of the Finnish Writers Guild.  The first stamp, designed by Raimo Sallinen, in the series honors the Seven Brothers. 

Stanley Gibbons FI 1487 / Scott FI 1054

As I was delving into my Finnish stamps, I uncovered some that I thought helped illustrate Aleksis Kivi and his novel.  

Tuusula is located on the shores of Tuusulanjärvi lake which has been an artist's colony. I imagine that Aleksis Kivi might have seen landscapes like what is depicted in this Finnish definitive, Landscape with Lake and Rowing Boat. Issued 26 March 1961. 

Stanley Gibbons FI 553 / Scott FI 380 

I also can imagine the Seven Brothers' farm in this 1964 definitive. 

Stanley Gibbons FI 677 / Scott FI 414

Finally, there's a scene early in the novel of the brothers taking a sauna to ease their aches and wounds. This 1977 definitive, designed by Paavo Huovinen, depicts a lakeside sauna. 

 Stanley Gibbons FI 893 / Scott FI 567 

I'd like to finish up with a little Extreme Philately - biblio-style!