Moominpappa at Sea (Moomintrolls , #7) (Moomins, #6) (Moomins Fiction) (Moomins Collectors' Editions) (Moomin)

by Tove Jansson

[nannah]

Oh, boy. I had heard the later Moomin books weren't as cheery and written to be happy escapism as the earlier ones, but this really was a stark change.

Moominpappa decides he needs a huge life change, so he uproots the family to live on an abandoned lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. There's only one other person living on the island: a strange and lonely fisherman who may be the key to understanding this curious, melancholy place where they live now.

I can't believe how much of this book made me feel lonely. There were, of course, some funny moments, but overall it lacks the charm of earlier Moomin books. I understand Tove Jansson's headspace wasn't in the same headspace as when she wrote the earlier books, too, and can appreciate that. The book was also sadly beautiful in its own way, but I don't think this is one I'd read over and over again.

I think what I missed most was the side characters, like Snufkin and Snorkmaiden and Too-Ticky, and all the other little creatures that filled up Moominvalley. There was maybe one mention of the friends back home, but otherwise it was like these friends had been forgotten! Autumn was nearing, and Moomintroll didn't have one thought for Snufkin! Not once did the family think of Snork or Snorkmaiden when they completely moved with the intention of living on a remote island for the rest of their lives. Did they even say a goodbye to their friends? It just seemed so strange!

Anyway, I did like the book - I don't think it's possible for me to dislike a Moomin book at this point - but I'm not sure this will be one of my favorites.