Tove Jansson’s first book for adults was a memoir, capturing afresh the enchantments and fears of her Helsinki childhood. Restored to its original form, “Sculptor’s Daughter” gives us a glimpse of the mysteries of winter ice, the bonhomie of balalaika parties, and the vastness of Christmas viewed from beneath the tree.

“People who go out to sea might well bother themselves to learn something about it first.”

Tove Jansson “Sculptor’s Daughter: A Childhood Memoir”. First published in Swedish in 1968. Translation in English by Kingsley Hart. Published in English by Sort of Books in 2013. Bought by the Sea Library 💙

Photos by Anna Iltnere / Sea Library