Loukko by 
We are delighted to announce that Katja Kettu’s novel, The Investigations of a Certain Cat has been awarded the Lapland Literature Award, granted by Lapland’s libraries. The prize is worth 3,000 euros and it is awarded every two years to high-quality literature from the region. The nominated books were published in 2023-2024, with over 150 entries in total.
Katja Kettu expressed her gratitude for the honor:
This novel is deeply personal to me, and I am especially thrilled that it has been recognized in Lapland—a place so close to my heart. I have been spending extended periods there with my family while working on my next novel, and this award reaffirms my feeling that I am exactly where I am meant to be. It is also a great privilege to contribute to Lapland’s rich cultural heritage.
Sculptor Kirsi Kaulanen, who selected the winning book, explained her choice:
I chose a book that moved me. One that I truly enjoyed reading. It guided me deep, opened something within me. It led me through time and even into eternity. There was pain, but also lightness. Perhaps that was due to the furry witness. A spirit guide of sorts. The novel weaves together the stories of a great-great-grandmother who lived through the Finnish Civil War and a successful writer struggling with infertility, all carried by rich language and the resonant tones of the northern dialect.”
Katja has previously won awards such as the Tiiliskivi Prize, the Runeberg Prize, the Kalevi Jäntti Prize, and Thank You for the Book Medal. She has also received several international recognitions. Her previous novel, Rose on poissa (Rose is Gone), was shortlisted for the Finlandia Prize and became a favorite among readers.
The Investigations of a Certain Cat has been sold to 11 territories! Rights are still available for France, Netherlands, Japan, Greece, Spain, US, UK, etc!
Most recently, the book was published in Denmark and Germany, with upcoming releases in Czechia and Estonia next month.
Download materials for The Investigations of a Certain Cat here!
The Investigations of a Certain Cat
Katja Kettu
Katja Kettu’s stunning novel spins through ages whilst surrendering to the wilderness of nature and the deep yearning for offspring.
Can one find solace and meaning in life from the past once the future no longer exists?
An Author has a miscarriage and loses their ability to speak and write. From the Investigative Bureau of Heavens, a Detective is sent to the scene, but something goes awry. Soon, in the corner of the room, there appears Cat who starts examining a mysterious diary that once belonged to the Author’s Great Grandmother.
When a new life has been lost, the Author turns their gaze to the past and to the age-old words of creation in the old Finnish outskirts. The one who knows them, Great Grandmother, has the power of healers. The Great Grandmother’s diary sheds light on birth and death, love towards children, and the strength of heritage in one’s blood.
Combining autofiction and elements of magical realism, Katja Kettu’s latest novel also sheds light on the history of the Finnish frontiers.
THE INVESTIGATIONS OF A CERTAIN CAT
ERÄÄN KISSAN TUTKIMUKSIA
Otava, 2023, 380 pp.
READING MATERIALS
Finnish manuscript
German edition
English sample and synopsis
RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
CZECHIA: ARGO
DENMARK: Lindhardt og Ringhof
ESTONIA: Koolibri
GERMANY: Weissbooks
HUNGARY: Gondolat
ITALY: Mondadori
NORWAY: Pax Forlag
POLAND: Swit Ksiazki
ROMANIA: Humanitas Fiction
SWEDEN: Albert Bonniers Förlag
