Moominvalley in November - Tove Jansson

The final entry in the Moomins series is downright weird in that there are no Moomins present at all. Set during the late Autumn, the Moomins' neighbours and acquaintances all decide to pay the family a visit, only to discover their house is abandoned. The six characters include Snufkin, a series staple, the Hemulen, altered a lot from his earlier crossdressing incarnations, the Fillyjonk, as neurotic as ever, the Mymble, Little My's older sister, and newcomers Grandpa Grumble, an amnesiac, and Toft, a shy orphan. It was clear that Jansson wrote this more philosophical and somber volume whilst suffering from severe depression at the loss of her mother. The orphan Toft represents her pain and longing, as he pursues a mission to be adopted by the kindly Moominmamma. All of the characters meet with disappointment yet they linger on for some time, annoying one another, and trying in vain to recreate the happy home of bygone days. Each character (with the exception of the Mymble who is quite self sufficient) battles with his or hers anxieties and arrives at some kind of spiritual awakening towards the end. The story closes with the Moomins appearing in their boat on the horizon, presumably returning home. It's a more complex and depressing read than the others, not really for children.

Rating: 3/5