I shot it.” And she added, “At a hundred meters.” “Of course you had to be the one to find it. They’ve been together for a long time and have, so far, survived everything that has stood in the way of their continued friendship, including the time that Jonna shot the island gull:

I mean, if we did see them, what would it be like? Like always, exactly like always. “Mari,” she said, “are you unhappy that we don’t see people?”

The book is short - just over 100 pages - and it feels shorter still as it is separated into 17 very short chapters that stand fairly well alone, as much as the relationship’s many layers are revealed in each, whether they are redecorating or sitting down to watch movies. So does the apartment complex the two women live in one lives on one side, the other lives on the other, but there’s a well tread path through the attic that lies in between. When they venture out on it, the sea creates a great atmosphere and emphasizes their solidarity and remoteness. Each is an artist, and they live on a tiny island on the southern side of Finland there’s a great line when they’re on the ocean during a fog and worry they’re going to end up in Estonia. They are best friends and for years have been happy to limit their society to each other. Hmm, if I “highly” recommended The True Deceiver, I’d best “strongly” recommend Fair Play.įair Play concerns two old women, Jonna and Mari. It’s not necessarily summery, but if you’re feeling a bit chilly, this book will warm you up with its subtle love. It’s an excellent book, quite wintry, that I highly recommend if you’re feeling too warm this summer (well, I strongly recommend it even if you aren’t). I’m happy to say I liked Jansson’s Fair Play even more. Fair Play by Tove Jansson ( Rent spel, 1982) translated from the Swedish by Thomas Teal (2007) NYRB Classics (2011) 100 ppĮarlier this year, Tove Jansson’s The True Deceiver won the Best Translated Book Award (my review of the book here).