European Union Prize for Literature
1 appearances
-
Edition 8 (2016) Winner
Selja Ahava
セルヤ・アハヴァ
Selja Ahava
Profile
- Gender
- Female
- Born
- 1974-01-01 （Finland）
- Nationality
- Finland
- Languages
- Finnish, English
- Residence History
- London (several years) → Porvoo (near Helsinki)
Career
- Occupations
- Writer, Screenwriter
- Active Years
- 2000-
- Nominations
- Finlandia Prize nomination (for 'Things That Fall from the Sky')
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scriptwriting school in Helsinki | — | — | — | — | Finland |
Scriptwriting school in Helsinki
Country:
Finland
Studied scriptwriting in Helsinki (sources limited)
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | EU Prize for Literature | Things That Fall from the Sky | — | EU Prize for Literature organizers | Winner |
EU Prize for Literature
Work:
Things That Fall from the Sky
Organization:
EU Prize for Literature organizers
Result:
Winner
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
The Day the Whale Swam through London
2010 NovelDebut novel blending reality and imagination; explores loss and renewal.
LossRenewalImagination vs. reality
Things That Fall from the Sky
2013 NovelA linked collection exploring fractures in everyday life, focusing on family, loss, and female perspectives.
FamilyLossAnxieties of everyday life
Translations
- English translation by Emily Jeremiah & Fleur Jeremiah
Before My Husband Disappears
2017 NovelA psychologically acute novel about a husband's disappearance; traces ruptures in ordinary life and inner experience.
DisappearanceMemoryMarital relationships
The Woman Who Loved Insects
2020 NovelPublished in 2020; examines human loneliness and affection through nature and relationships with others.
NatureLonelinessAffection
Bibliography
- The Day the Whale Swam through London (2010)
- Things That Fall from the Sky (2013)
- Before My Husband Disappears (2017)
- The Woman Who Loved Insects (2020)
Translations of Works
- English translation of 'Taivaalta tippuvat asiat' by Emily Jeremiah & Fleur Jeremiah
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Delicate, lyrical proseInterweaving of reality and the fantastic
- Recurring Motifs
- Loss and renewalCracks in everyday lifeNature–human relationships
Legacy
Regarded as a notable contemporary Finnish writer; recognition such as the EU Prize for Literature and English translations have brought her work to international readers. Her background in scriptwriting is said to influence her narrative rhythm and structure.
Trivia
- Lived in London for several years before settling in Porvoo.
- Has written scripts for film, television and radio.