Tyttöjä

Tyttöjä is a Finnish-language novel written by the Finnish author Väinö Linna, first published in 1955. The title translates to "Girls" in English. The novel is considered a sequel to Linna's highly acclaimed work, Tuntematon sotilas (The Unknown Soldier), and continues to explore themes of Finnish society and its people.

Tyttöjä delves into the lives and experiences of ordinary Finns during a period of significant social and economic change. It focuses on the characters' personal journeys, their relationships, and their struggles within the context of post-war Finland. The narrative style is characterized by its realistic portrayal of everyday life, dialogue, and the inner thoughts and feelings of its protagonists. Linna's writing is known for its directness and its ability to capture the nuances of Finnish character.

The novel does not follow a singular, linear plot but rather presents a series of interconnected vignettes and character studies. This approach allows Linna to present a broad spectrum of Finnish society, from different social classes to various geographical regions. The themes explored in Tyttöjä include love, loss, societal expectations, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world. Like much of Linna's work, Tyttöjä is often appreciated for its authentic representation of Finnish culture and its insightful commentary on the human condition. It remains a significant work in Finnish literature.