Loukko by 
We are thrilled to announce that Karo Hämäläinen’s latest book Alone(Yksin, Wsoy 2015), currently in its 3rd printing, has been awarded both the Savonia Prize 2016, which is awarded to an outstanding literary work from the region of Savo published in 2015, and the Best Sports Book of the Year 2015.
Alone is a powerful retelling of the life of Paavo Nurmi, the greatest distance runner of all time, in the style of Running (Courir, 2008) by Jean Echenoz. Alone is the bitter account of the undisputed ruler of the cinder track, a harrowing picture of a man as successful in business as in sports who would never allow himself to be satisfied. It is also a story of unrequited love.
-The Savonia Prize judging panel
“Karo Hämäläinen’s fictional novel describes the Finnish sports icon Paavo Nurmi’s inner world and thoughts with a brutal directness. He creates a picture of Nurmi as a tough tactician, but also as an extremely strict ascetic.”
-The Best Sports Book of the Year judging panel:
“The novel Alone is skillfully built around the myth of Paavo Nurmi. Hämäläinen’s laconic rhythm works excellently and is very Nurmi-like. The novel conveys the author’s deep understanding of its core themes: long-distance running, business, and one’s solitude.”
From the press:
“The story about the Flying Finn keeps the reader moving.” – Minna Petäinen, Taloustaito 9/2015
“Karo Hämäläinen has skillfully written a novel about winning almost everything and how it led to solitude.” – Seppo Puttonen, Yle 4.11.2015
”…It is a brilliant description of a stubborn, bitter, and lonely man… At the same time, it describes Finland in the early 20th century: the poverty, recession, and the economic boom that followed.” – Laura Boxberg Taidematkustaja- Blog
“Hämäläinen creates a psychologically delicate and sad portrayal of a man who is pushed forward by the manic hate towards losing.”
-Markku Jokisipilä, Suomen Kuvalehti, Books of the Year- list
Reading material:
ALONE (2015)
English synopsis
English sample (soon available)
Finnish edition
The authors previous works:
CRUEL IS THE NIGHT
Rights Sold
Original Publisher: FINLAND, WSOY
FRANCE, Actes Sud
ITALY, Newton Compton
WORLD ENGLISH, Soho Press
Reading Material
Finnish edition
English manuscript (soon available)
THE BUYOUT
Rights Sold
Original Publisher: FINLAND, WSOY
SPAIN, Ediciones B.
Reading Material
Finnish edition
Spanish edition
English sample
Contact: info@ahlbackagency.com
