Published in 1996, ‘Naurava neitsyt’ (Laughing Virgin) is a collection of three stories written by Finnish author Irja Rane that won the ‘Finlandia Prize‘ in 1996. Irja Rane (born October 7, 1946 in Ikaalinen ) studied at the University of Helsinki and graduated with a master’s degree in philosophy, majoring in Finnish literature. Between 1977 and 2000, Rane worked at the Department of Finnish Literature at the University of Helsinki. Rane served as the secretary of the State Literature Committee between 1980 and 1998. Rane has published three works and, in addition, Rane’s poems and essays have been published in anthologies. ‘Naurava neitsyt’ tells three fascinating stories, three European destinies, united by the miracle-working image of the Virgin Mary. The stories form a triptych, an altar-like entity, a three-part novel. Irja Rane skilfully places herself in the environment of each story and writes throughout very beautiful, sometimes enchanting language. Philosophical reflection, the problems of faith, knowledge and ethics, the collision of patriarchal and feminine values are essential, but the most important are the stories themselves, whose power, frenzy and irony take the reader with them into both the past and the timeless world. The framework of the first part is 14th century France. The narrator, Lydia, tells her story to the interrogators. This “reputable widow of leather master Mark from the city of Lakso” is suitable as a scapegoat: an innocent and good person, an independent and intelligent woman. Lydia’s destiny is Johannes, an image maker, to whom the Virgin Mary gives a task. The story of Lydia and Johannes sheds light not only on the harsh double morality of the community, but also on the spiritual condition of the time, the supremacy of the church. Lydia’s language is flowing and flowing, enjoyable to read. Another story from the same period is told by the secretary Bartolomeus, a schemer who gives an account of his life, confesses and reveals why once you get lost in Lakso, you never get out. The voice of the old dying man alternates with the cynical narration of the younger man, who despises women and life. Religious fanaticism, war and violence belong to Bartholomew’s chronicle, but it deepens into a tragic interpretation of aging and human growth. The last story takes place in 1930s Germany: Headmaster Klein writes letters to his son. The incompleteness of life, loneliness and sadness make the message kneel, because the priest has to envy both the world and his innermost truths. From the father’s letters, a picture grows of the tensions of a society preparing for war, the anger and its growth even in a small community. However, the core of the story remains positivity, love of life and responsibility, which even the scary future cannot undo.
