Tove Jansson “The True Deceiver”

While “The Summer Book” was charming, this novel is just plain brilliant. Still quaint in its own way, there were times when the story seemed nothing less than dark, and engrossingly human.

The story follows a pair of odd siblings: an odd young lady named Katri, and her younger brother Mats. They are considered outsiders in a sense, even in their own town, unhelped by their rather cold demeanor, and Katri’s ability to be downright frightening (there are times where her eyes appear to be almost supernatural and yellow).

The sister is good with numbers, but Mats is slow with his hands, but efficient and a quick learner. He spends his time helping out ship-makers, slowly learning their trade as he designs a boat by secret in his spare time.

The story really lifts off as the pair start communicating with the famous (fictional) illustrator, Anna Aemelin. She herself is a bit on the odd side, as she rarely appears outside her home, known as the “Rabbit House” due to her books. Their relationship is strange, and not always friendly.

With a name like “True Deceiver”, you know there is a twist somewhere in the story, but I won’t spoil anything here. Perhaps it is obvious from the start, but I didn’t want to believe it, even as the deceit is admitted to.

Like all of Jansson’s stories, I was thoroughly delighted in reading this, but it is perhaps the darkest thing she has written. Sometimes the distinctly human acts feel like they are hitting a little too close to home, and leave you feeling vulnerable, if not a little suspicious of those around you (and yourself).

My life has been enriched by this tale of deceit, so I whole-heartily recommend borrowing or purchasing a copy, as you see fit. The whole thing is little over an hour long, and the snowy setting of the book can thoroughly be indulged in the almost-cold, rainy weather we have been having these past few days here in Sydney.