Moominsummer Madness - Tove Jansson

The Moomins are back on form with this next book which features another natural disaster, namely flooding, a favourite theme of Jansson's. Volcanic activity triggers a tidal wave which engulfs Moomin Valley, and there's also a prophetic nod to global warming. As their home gradually disappears beneath the rising sea, the horribly deluded Moominmamma reluctantly agrees to relocate the family to another abode. Because Moomins are somewhat dimwitted and idiotic creatures, none of them realise that their new home is a floating theatre stage. The annoying character Sniff is absent from this book to make way for some new ones, none of whom particularly stand out. Themes this time include depression, loneliness, parenthood, midsummer rites, and trespassing issues as Snufkin wages war on a park warden. There are some nice moments, like Snufkin's accidental adoption of the woodies, but the theatre antics are as tedious as the dress rehearsal chapters in Mansfield Park. I enjoyed the Snork Maiden being 'slut shamed' by the jealous, clinically depressed Misabel.

Rating: 3/5