Leena Parkkinen has been awarded with Laila Hirvisaari Award. The award is given each year to a talented young author to support him or her in creating high quality, touching and vibrant novels.

Leena Parkkinen’s After you, Max was the most sold debut novel in 2009 in Finland and was therefore awarded by Akateeminen book chain in the beginning of the January. Last year After you, Max won the Debutant of the Year Award arranged by Helsingin Sanomat. The jury described the winning novel:

"The comparison to Günter Grass’ Tin Drum, published exactly 50 years ago, is justified. The setting of both debute novels is like the freak show of life and the storytelling is descriptive: the authors add a magic touch to the harsh facts, transforming them through the wisdom of someone who has experienced and seen a lot.

After you, Max takes the reader through the darker side of Europe, showing that without conflict and insanity there can be no humanity."

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