Suojaava kerros ilmaa
(Protective Layer of Air) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
Kerttu ”Kepa” is a 14-year-old, who is going on a Post crossing group trip to Åland. On a cruise ship she gets to know an 18-year-old trans boy, who goes by the nickname Ruu749. Kepa thinks of him as “Huu” after a Finnish children’s book character, Mister Huu. Kepa is travelling with her mother – her father has been dead for a long time. Huu is on a trip by himself because his dying diabetic mother couldn’t come with him. Kepa and Huu are the youngest of the Post crossing group and both feel different from others. Kepa is overweight and she has an eating disorder. She is constantly hungry while being also aware that people will judge her for her appearance. Huu, on the other hand, has suffered because of his mother’s illnesses and his own identity.
Edited by: Lastenkirjainstituutti
Comment:
The novel discusses themes of body image, identity and mental health. Kepa is overweight and constantly thinking about her size and how much she takes up space in different situations. She can’t stop thinking about what others think is appropriate for someone who looks like her. Huu has suffered because of his mother’s illnesses and his own identity, so he has harmed himself. Now he is considering moving to Tampere and getting admission to a trans clinic there. In the novel, Kepa and Huu find connection and receive support from each other with their problems. Although the problems and uncertainties are not simply solved, the future looks a little brighter after the trip.