Customer Reviews

Moominpappa's Memoirs

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After Moominsummer madness, Tove Jannson slipped into a more subtle and even philosophical vein (that is, more philosophical then the first three books), however, Memoirs (formerly Exploits of Moominpapa) returns to the more slapstick antics of her early book. Although I am a fan of all of these books, Memoirs was a welcome return to that earlier style, though it in itself is a unique entry in the series. In Memoirs, Moominpapa is both a wonderfully adorable character as well as a characture or himself, filled with pride, egotism, and prejudice--making him all the more human. The story itself is almost a parody of the big rolling adventure tales, full of various fantastic happenings, and culminating in Moominpapa's dilemma: to following his adventuring instinct, or another instinct that drives him to build moominhouses with moomin verandahs, etc etc... The end is as happy as finn family moomintroll, maybe even happier--completely over the top. Although this shouldn't be the first moominbook to read (since knowledge of the characters is pretty central to the humor here) it is nonetheless one of the most uplifting books in the series and I can't recommend it more!!!

Tove Jansson was a Swedish-speaking Finnish writer and illustrator who wrote many childrens books including the famous Moomin series. Here, the setting is Moominvalley which is basically the natural beauty and pristineness of Finland, populated by Moomins (who look like little hippos which stand upright and are fluffy) and a host of other weird and wonderful creatures. The action is mainly centred around the family with Moominpappa, Moominmamma and Moomintroll the kid. They set a tone for the whole series as Tove infused them and their whole universe with experiences of her own family which seem to have been a very bohemian, artistic, tolerant and warm lot. This makes the books great reading for kids from an early age as they invoke a wonderful sense of fun and silliness as well as acceptance and openmindedness.

One thing I remember from reading these as a kid is that the plot didn't really matter. In some books, it's hard to say exactly what happens. Rather, it is the atmosphere that I found the most important. In this book, Moominpappa writes his memoirs of his adventures when he ran away from home as a boy, and his encounters with creatures like an undignified prankster king.

A great series overall, filled with imagination, surrealism, fun and warmth.

"Moominpappa's Memoirs" is one of great series of Tove Jansson's collection. I recommend this book to anyone of all age groups. You will enjoy Moominpappa's stories from his youth, full of wit and adventure. The book itself is nicely printed (I love soft covers) and contains beautiful and creative drawings by T. Jansson.

All of the books in this series are fantastic. They are poignant sweet and fascinating. I love the characters and the interactions between the characters. I read these first 26 years ago and have made sure they are easy to find every time I move. I still read them often.

Moominpappa's Memoirs is the the most imaginative book of the series, although all of them are marvellous. This volume gives you a perspective on the history of Moominland. Snip: (...)

After years of constant pressure from both Sniff and Snufkin, Tove Jansson relented and revised the original edition of "The Exploits of Moominpappa," to provide more details about their respective fathers, the Muddler and the Joxter.

There is a new prologue which relates the circumstances in which Moominpappa began to write his memoirs, and there is also a new section on Moominpappa's early experiences in the Foundling Home (under the supervision of the Hemulen Aunt).

In the course of the narrative Moominpappa becomes more philosophical than in the earlier version, with extra mention of the Mymble's daughter and the Nibling, Sniff"s mother, the Fuzzy, and a discreet mention of the courtship conducted by the Joxter towards the Mymble herself, involving swings and round-abouts.

All in all, a delightful re-write of the original Exploits, which retains the customary humour and whimsy, together with more information about Sniff and Snufkin's parents. A must for dedicated Moomin Collectors and Devotees.

Moominpappa's memoirs is one of the earlier Moomin books by Tove Jansson. The book is written from the moominpappa character who is writing his memoirs and in that way explores his history. It tells how his history is linked to the other main Moomin characters such as Sniff and Snurkin.

Writing a children book as a memoir like this one worked well (at least for me). There is a clear story line and lessons to be learned from moominpappas life. Its well written and kept me reading. In fact, I appreciated this Moomin book more than the ones I read previously.

Certainly worth reading.

This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable childrens books ever written. I started reading the 'moomin' books when I was about ten,and they still have me reading them again and again every night (literaly!) .They're equal(or better) to the famed 'Oz',Harry Potter, and Roald Dahl books. This particular one gives the background history to Moominpappas capers as a 'young moomin' and the finding of the moomin family treasurs, such as the meerschaum tram. The dialouge every othr chapter between Moominpappa and his family and friends bring the story back to'present day' and gives it an loving quality. This is a wonderful,timless book, not to be passed up by older kids just because it is classified as a '9-12 age range' book. Tove Jansson's simple, flowing writing will set these books as classics.

The Moomin family is a classic. I recommend any Moomin story book for children and adults.