Halla Helle among top 100 books of the century

Helsingin Sanomat asked literary field professionals to choose their favorite books of this century. Niillas’ debut novel Halla Helle made the list on the spot 95.

“The novel, which delves deeply into the colonialism practiced by the Finnish mainstream culture, is shocking, but also provides information about the stages and status of the Sámi people. Samu, a priest's son who moves from the south to Utsjoki, is fascinated by Sámi culture, and especially by the young Sámi artist Elle Hallala, whose stage name is Halla Helle. Niillas Holmberg's first novel is a strongly social work that deals with the status of the Sámi people, focusing on today's challenges: fishing and land use restrictions, the plight of reindeer husbandry, conflicts related to tourism, and the language issue.”

https://www.hs.fi/taide/art-2000010874020.html