"Sent i November" - Tove Jansson

The 9th and the last entry of the main Moomin series

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"Sent i november"—or Moominvalley in November in the original Swedish!

Sent i november (Moominvalley in November) is the ninth and final book in the main Moomin series by Finnish author Tove Jansson. It was first published in 1970, exactly 25 years after the debut of the series.

The story takes place in the last days of autumn, on the threshold of winter, as various creatures begin to feel the need for change and decide to journey to Moominvalley to visit the happy Moomin family in their home.

"Sent i november"—a Moomin book without the Moomins

With Sent i november (Moominvalley in November), Tove Jansson moves out of Moominvalley. This is a story about the Moomins without the Moomins—a tale of a family that is constantly talked about but never actually appears.

Autumn serves as a clear metaphor for change, conveyed through color, decay, and decomposition. Withering nature, dissolving in moisture, retreats into slumber. Moominvalley represents a dream of harmony and a happy family, but this November tale strips it of that illusion, making room for something new.

The story is marked by an intense, evocative language—from the autumnal position captured in the title to the final, suggestive sentences about Toft, who rushes to the jetty to catch the rope of the returning Moomin family's boat.

Tove Jansson wrote:

"I will tell of how dreams are more important than reality.

Snufkin is the one who tells them various truths, and the only one who stays behind to welcome the family when they return home.

Toft is the dreamer, seeking a sense of security and continuity in his imagined version of the Moomin family.

Mymble is the spoiled one, taking advantage of the family's kindness and generosity.

Fillyjonk, isolated and impoverished, is driven to them by an unconscious fear.

The old man (Grandpa-Grumble) dreams of them as a symbol of freedom and simplicity—an exciting return to the roots of childhood."

(Excerpts from "Tove Jansson, Mama of the Moomins" by Boel Westin)

The original Moomin series in Swedish

Level B2

This is the 9th and the last entry in the main Moomin series

Why Should You Read This Book in Swedish?

Timeless stories have a stronger impact when read in their original language.
This is the original edition from the Finnish publisher.
The book includes the author's original illustrations.
It is beautifully published, featuring a fabric spine and embossed details.
A perfect gift idea!
A great read for children who speak Swedish.

Children's Books?

With Det osynliga barnet (Tales from Moominvalley), the discussion about Tove Jansson as a children's author gained momentum. Critics unanimously debated the appropriate age of her audience.

In 1963, Stockholms Tidningen awarded Jansson the Finland-Swedish cultural prize for her short story collection.

Per Olov Sundman wrote that Tove’s stories “are not merely fairy tales for children.” With “all their inventiveness, poetic softness, whimsical and sometimes macabre accents,” they are also a read for older audiences. He described Tales from Moominvalley as “a collection of stimulating stories for adults.”

Perfect gift!

Could there be a better gift for a Moomin fan than the entire collection of adventures featuring the fantastic creatures of Moominvalley?

The books from the Finnish publisher Förlaget make a perfect gift for a loved one—or for yourself! They are beautifully published:

Featuring fabric, linen-bound spines
Preserving the author’s original illustrations
With a sturdy, hardcover design that is wonderfully tactile

Despite common assumptions, the books were originally written with an adult audience in mind. However, over the years, they have gained a devoted following among children as well. After all, Moomin stories have the power to captivate and delight everyone!

Tove Jansson, a Finnish writer, painter, illustrator, and comic artist.

She made her debut at the age of 14, and a year later, her comic The Story of the Lovelorn Larvae, Kropelli and Fabian was published. Always eccentric, she changed schools, dropped out of university, and knew she wanted to be a painter. The Moomin saga began with the creation of Sniff in 1940. From then on, Jansson wrote several children's books, novels for adults, and painted hundreds of artworks. She celebrated her successes by buying herself hats.

She claimed that she identified most with Snufkin, as he enjoyed being alone with himself.