Published in 1995, ‘Mestari’ is a biographical novel by Finnish author Hannu Mäkelä that won the ‘Finlandia Prize‘ in 1995. Hannu Mäkelä (born 18 August 1943 in Helsinki) is an author of more than 100 books in Finnish: novels, collections of short stories, edited anthologies and children’s books. Hannu Mäkelä is known for his books for children in many countries around the world, especially the popular “Mr. Hoo” (Mr. Boo) series. ‘Mestari’ is a biographical novel about Finland‘s most beloved poet based on Eino Leino’s own texts and thoughts: the narrator is Leino himself, the point of view is his. Eino Leino spent the last days of his life in the care of his friend Sténie in Riitahuhta’s house in Nuppulinna, near Jokela station. After a long itinerant life, the poet had found a peaceful place to rest and the future seemed brighter: the memoir ‘Elämäni kupakirja’ had proved to be a sales success and Leino began dictating the second part as a sequel. He also had other work plans, one of which was rewriting the lost ‘Mestari’ poetry collection. However, the disease won and Leino died on January 10, 1926, at the age of 47.
