Customer Reviews

Unikirja: Dream Book

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4 star:		(2)
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I have only the most cursory exposure to the Kalevala & the Kanteletar - the ancient myths and folktales of Finland's poetical volumes. K. A. Laity's inspired collection, brings to life and re-interprets these traditional tales with poetic language and stirring emotional resonance. Myths and fairy-tales frequently seem deceptively simple, and many authors dabble in their surface devices without understanding the depths of their psychological and cultural meanings. Such stories never ring true, never connecting with the primal energies that are evoked in those timeless stories. But in the hands of the gifted, storytellers who know enough and are brave enough to look deep into the dark well of their mysteries, new tales are brought from old that shine with the golden threads of the ancient woven in their new cloth. Ms. Laity is clearly one of those storytellers. I don't have to know those original stories to feel the echoes of their power that ring through these tales with renewed vigor. In story, in poem, and even a play - this is a rich collection of tales - full of passion, and feeling, and meaning that strikes a true chord. And it welcomes us into an often neglected chamber of treasures that it invites us to explore. This is terrific reading, and a voice worth being excited to find. Enjoy!

In the midst of these poetically peaceful stories are some truly tragic, jolting and horrific events. I loved this about Unikirja. Lulled into the cadence of Laity's lyrical writing style, one almost forgets to expect the unexpected - until it strikes. In this sense, these literary jewels are anything but flowery. Life's immense joys and tragic disappointments are strikingly vivid for Laity's strong characters. Her contrasting play with light and dark weaves a rich and beautiful tapestry both within and between each story. Through her skillful sense of balance, Laity packs all aspects of humanity into this powerful little book.

Unikirja, like, totally rocks!

Beautifully written, these insightful, distinctive re-tellings of traditional Finnish folkore tales are a delight. The imagery of K.A. Laity's words is beyond compare.