Skutsi
(Deep in the Woods) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
Four reluctant teenagers are forced to go on a wilderness hike – without phones or other devices. Game-addict Luka is furious and Sabina, who is still getting over her ex-girlfriend, is getting irritated by Luka’s behaviour. Joel wishes to become a stand-up comedian so he is constantly talking. He makes some racist jokes about Nasim, who has moved to Finland from Iran with his family. The four teenagers are led into the forest by Jorma “Jokke” Eräjärvi. The group have prejudices about each other, but as the journey progresses, they gradually begin to get to know each other for real. Ghost stories told around the campfire bring the group closer together, and when death visits the camp, everyone has to tell their secrets to survive.
Edited by: Lastenkirjainstituutti
Comment:
The novel takes place in the forest during one weekend where four teenagers are forced to spend time with each other. When the hike is horrendously interrupted, they have to work as a team to get out of the woods. The four of them get to know each other and face their own prejudices, learning things about each other and themselves. One of them dreams of becoming a writer, another lives in a foster family because of parents with substance abuse problems. One has to deal with the expectations of their parents and one tells everyone that she is gay. The novel addresses the themes of racism, different family backgrounds, identity and future.