Passages from crime novel appear verbatim in other author's work
Maija Porma denies plagiarism, Outi Pakkanen is shocked
Crime fiction writer Maija Porma has been caught copying a number of passages from the work of another author Outi Pakkanen into her own novel.
An examination by Helsingin Sanomat reveals at least six passages in Porma's Pohjalainen pankkiryöstö ("Nordic Bank Robbery") are nearly identical to parts of Pakkanen's novel Pelistä pois ("Out Of The Game").
Pakkanen's novel appeared in 2001, and Porma's came out in 2004.
The matter came to light on the basis of a tipoff from a reader.
Porma herself denies any plaigarism.
"I don't read Outi Pakkanen's books", she says.
Porma was at a loss to explain how the passages ended up in her book, insisting that she wrote the book herself, adding that she does not remember events from five years back.
Porma has written a total of seven novels, and the book in question is her fourth.
Porma's book was published by Pilot-kustannus, where the head of publishing, Timo Määttä confirms the plagiarism, after comparing the two works.
Määttä regrets the incident and says that Porma's book will be withdrawn from circulation and the copies destroyed. He also said that the matter would be discussed with Porma, and that the publisher will also be in contact with Outi Pakkanen and her publisher, Otava Publishers.
"This is shocking, I am stunned", says Outi Pakkanen.
She had not heard of Porma's book previously. Otava has also not heard of the matter, but promised to examine the situation.
Otava's head of publishing, Leena Majander wil not say what measures Otava will take.
"I cannot recall facing a matter like this before."
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 20.2.2008 - TODAY |
 Passages from crime novel appear verbatim in other author's work |
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