Troll: A Love Story Summary of Johanna Sinisalo's Book

Troll: A Love Story by Johanna Sinisalo - A Magical and Surreal Tale

Troll: A Love Story by Johanna Sinisalo is a unique and captivating novel that transcends typical genre boundaries. First published on January 1, 2000, this Finnish literary work combines elements of fantasy, fiction, and folklore to create a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. Set in a modern urban landscape, the novel explores the relationship between man and nature, delving into themes of isolation, desire, and forbidden love.

Character Analysis

The characters in Troll: A Love Story are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, each bringing their own complexity to the narrative.

- Enkeli: Also known as Angel, is a young photographer who stumbles upon a wounded troll in the courtyard of his apartment building. He becomes intrigued by the creature and decides to offer it shelter, setting off a chain of events that will change his life forever.

- Palomita: A young woman who becomes entangled in Angel's world after meeting him at a party. She is drawn to the mysterious troll and becomes a central figure in the novel's unfolding drama.

- Martes: A friend of Angel's who becomes involved in the troll's presence in unexpected ways. His interactions with the creature reveal the complexities of human nature and the power of desire.

- Tohtori Spiderman: A mysterious and enigmatic character who plays a pivotal role in the novel's climax. His motivations and intentions are shrouded in mystery, adding an element of suspense to the story.

- Ecke: A resourceful and cunning individual who becomes entangled in the events surrounding the troll. His actions have far-reaching consequences that will test the boundaries of morality and love.

- Pessi: The troll itself, a small and wounded creature with a potent pheromone that has a profound effect on those around it. Pessi's presence disrupts the lives of the characters in unexpected ways, revealing hidden desires and longings.

Detailed Summary

The novel opens with Angel discovering a group of teenagers harassing a wounded troll in the courtyard of his apartment building. Feeling sympathy for the creature, Angel decides to take it in for the night, not realizing the profound impact this decision will have on his life. The next morning, Angel wakes to find the troll alive and well, leading to a series of bizarre and surreal events that will challenge his understanding of the world around him.

As Angel delves into research to uncover the nature of trolls and their connection to human desire, he finds himself drawn deeper into a world of mystery and intrigue. The troll's pheromones have a potent effect on those around it, stirring up hidden desires and passions that threaten to unravel the fragile balance of Angel's life.

Through his interactions with the troll and the people it attracts, Angel is forced to confront his own deepest fears and desires, leading to a reckoning that will test the limits of his own humanity. As the novel unfolds, the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leaving Angel to navigate a world where the boundaries of love and desire are pushed to their breaking point.

Analysis

Troll: A Love Story is a novel that defies easy categorization, blending elements of fantasy, folklore, and contemporary fiction to create a powerful and resonant story. Sinisalo's writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world that is at once familiar and strange. The novel explores themes of alienation, desire, and the power of the natural world in ways that are both haunting and profound.

At its core, Troll is a story about the boundaries between man and nature, and the ways in which those boundaries can be blurred and broken. The troll's presence serves as a catalyst for the characters to confront their innermost desires and fears, leading to a series of revelations that challenge their perceptions of themselves and the world around them.

The novel's exploration of forbidden love and the darker aspects of human nature adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart from typical fantasy fare. Sinisalo's prose is both poetic and visceral, plunging readers into a world that is both beautiful and brutal in its depiction of desire and longing.

Overall, Troll: A Love Story is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will leave readers pondering the nature of love, desire, and the power of the natural world long after they have finished the final page.

Final thoughts

If you are a fan of fantasy, fiction, or Finnish literature, Troll: A Love Story by Johanna Sinisalo is a must-read. This enchanting and surreal novel offers a fresh take on the genre, blending elements of fantasy and folklore in a way that is both original and compelling.

To fully experience the magic and mystery of Troll: A Love Story, consider purchasing the complete book or listening to the audiobook. Dive into the intricate world of Angel, the troll, and the other characters that populate this captivating saga. It is a journey you won't soon forget.

So, immerse yourself in the world of Troll and discover a tale of love, desire, and the power of the wildness within us all.

9780802141293 (ISBN10: 0802141293)