Oodi Book Fest

Kino Regina (1st floor) 12–13: Minä kirjoitan, minä kirjoitan (‘I Write, I Write’) – Hillevi Kilpeläinen’s monologue about Helvi Hämäläinen This monologue play by reciter and actress Hillevi Kilpeläinen begins in 1996 when Hillevi, then in her twenties, travels to meet a 90-year-old Helvi Hämäläinen. The author has returned to the public eye thanks to her diaries. This encounter opens a door to the intense atmosphere of the 1930s and 1940s, artistry, motherhood, poverty, love and survival. In this multi-layered monologue, different eras intertwine, bringing together the young Hillevi and the elderly Helvi. The performance features authentic, previously unpublished interview material. Also appearing on stage will be some of Hämäläinen’s contemporaries, such as Saima Harmaja, Katri Vala and Olavi Paavolainen. Saarikoski rug (3rd floor) 13–14: Tuomas Palonen and Silvia Hosseini – a conversation about words, culture and a bit about love Tuomas Palonen’s non-fiction book Etymologian etymologia ja muita etymologioita has been well received by readers and lauded by critics. “A true ‘Little Giant’ of the history of civilisation,” remarks Kulttuuritoimitus in its five-star review. Silvia Hosseini is an essayist, columnist and critic for Suomen Kuvalehti. In her non-fiction work Kirjallisuuden kiihottava historia, Hosseini explores erotic literature, erotica, and the eras that gave rise to these books, from ancient times to the present day. What does sexuality tell us about the world? 14–15: Guest authors Ronja Salmi and Iisa Pajula Ronja Salmi’s psychological debut novel Pieniä päiviä delves into the intricacies of memory and family relations. Iisa Pajula’s debut novel Pehmeitä kohtia examines forbidden love, what it means to be a daughter, and waiting for messages. The authors are interviewed by media worker Kaarina Laanti from Oodi. 15–16: Oodi author of the year 2027 / Discussion on popular fiction Vehka Kurjenmiekka, Ulla Onerva and Terhi Tarkiainen discuss the significance of popular fiction for readers and writers. How versatile is the genre? Interview conducted by Chief Librarian Riikka Leskinen. 16–17: Margaret Atwood book club Canadian author Margaret Atwood (b. 1939) is one of the most significant writers of our time, a masterful wordsmith and a critical observer. At the Margaret Atwood book club of Oodi Book Fest, we focus particularly on Atwood’s novels The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments, Cat’s Eye and Alias Grace. You are very welcome to pop in to listen and take part! The book club is visited by Hilkka Pekkanen, an accomplished translator of Atwood’s works, and Marko Suomi from the popular Takakansi literature podcast. The discussion is moderated by Information Specialist Niina Holm. 17–17.30: Veera Milja AFRODITE ERA! Veera Milja’s AFRODITE ERA! is a work-in-progress combining stage poetry and ritual performance, in which girls loitering in a shopping centre in the early 2000s come together with Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and romantic love. In the performance, knick-knacks meet an ancient temple, hidden rivers flow beneath parking garages, and beauty and love reign supreme – sometimes tenderly, sometimes furiously, but always, always, always. Veera Milja is a performing poet living in Turku. Her debut novel Supersalanen tyttöpäiväkirja was published in 2022 and was awarded the Kalevi Jäntti Prize. 17.30–18: Rosanna Fellman Rosanna Fellman is a slam poet, author, lecturer and playwright. Her latest book, Pietarsaari, jota kukaan ei halua (Johnny Kniga, 2025), contained “shit turned into gold,” according to a review in Helsingin Sanomat. At Oodi Book Fest, Fellman recites new poems in several languages. Maijansali Hall (1st floor) 18–18.45: Announcement of the winners of the love poetry competition Over 300 poems were submitted to Helsinki City Library’s love poetry competition. The competition, held for adults and young people aged 15 and over, accepted entries in Finnish, Swedish or English. Actress Alma Pöysti and slam poet and translator Kasper Salonen served as judges for the competition. 19–19.45: Bobby Oroza Duo International retro-soul star Bobby Oroza performs at Oodi Book Fest. In this intimate duo gig Oroza is accompanied by guitarist Seppo Salmi. Oroza’s retro-style music contains influences from genres such as Chicano soul or brown-eyed soul, which blends African-American influences with Mexican tradition. The programme is mostly in Finnish. Entry to all the events is free of charge.