Graphic designer Juhani Känkänen wins Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize

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Graphic designer Juhani Känkänen, 39, from Vantaa, has won this year's Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize for his first published novel Toivon mukaan ("Hopefully").
      The EUR 12,500 prize was awarded for the 11th time. The winner was chosen in the unanimous view of the panel of judges.
      In his literary début, Känkänen discusses art and being an artist. According to the judges, Toivon mukaan is a profound novel that manages to be both funny and serious.
     
There were 20 nominees in this year's selection process: five poetical works, 13 novels, and two collections of short stories.
      Nevertheless, the chairman of the panel Antti Majander notes that the level of début novels has not risen, even though the number of various themes, styles, and literary techniques employed has increased. This makes the comparison of first works more difficult than before.
      The Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize continues the traditions of the J.H. Erkko Award for the best first book, which dates back to 1964.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize goes to poet Sanna Karlström (17.11.2004)

Helsingin Sanomat