Reading Log Vol. 23 | Tove Jansson's 'Finn Family Moomintroll'

Re-examining nature at the end of summer

I finished reading 'Finn Family Moomintroll'.
It took longer than I expected to read. I think it's because every time I stopped, my own daily life crossed my mind.

Is it a coincidence? The final chapter of the story depicts the 'end of summer.' I suddenly wondered: am I able to be as conscious of the changing seasons as everyone in Moominvalley?

You don't have to go on a long journey. Even on the same walking path, just by taking a deep breath and feeling the scent of the season, the scenery starts to look different.

Adults in Finland spend their long summer vacations in nature. Perhaps we, too, need that kind of space.

Snufkin, the man who chooses travel and solitude

Snufkin, who loves to travel and lives with his own core values. I can't help but strongly admire him.

'Living isn't peaceful, you know.'

The resolve to accept the loneliness and contradictions behind his lightness. These words have stayed in my heart.

I'm not yet worthy of the elegance of whistling under a window when spring arrives, but I won't forget the playfulness of making music.

Sniff, the greedy yet lovable other version of myself

On the other hand, I feel a strong sense of empathy for Sniff. He is drawn to shiny things and greed, and he is timid and calculating. But he is somehow lovable. I find comfort in his humanity, thinking, 'Everyone has a side like this.'

Just like packing a bag with this and that, we might be unknowingly carrying around unnecessary attachments.

The Muskrat says, 'Bags are the most unnecessary things.' He's a supporting character, but these words alone stay with me.

Unloading unnecessary baggage

As I read through the story, the 'unnecessary things' inside me become visible. Now that I've organized things at the end of summer, the weight of those words sinks into my heart.

Even though I sometimes smile bitterly at myself, wondering 'what am I doing' after buying a bunch of things the day after I let go of others, I want to enjoy even that imperfect version of myself.

What I want to keep in mind is, 'Don't put on boring airs.' I want to trust my own senses directly, without being trapped by vanity.

A bicycle ride is also a wonderful little trip if you change your perspective. As you go around, the unnecessary things are stripped away.

The hot summer is ending. Like Snufkin, I want to walk toward the next scenery with a light step.