This is the third novel by Rimminen, who has also published two books of poetry. His debut Pussikaljaromaani ( Park Life) was shortlisted for the same award in 2004. It has since been published in six countries and is being made into a film.
The Finlandia Prize is worth 30,000 euros. The winner was chosen from a shortlist of six by YLE cultural journalist Minna Joenniemi.
YLE literary reporter Seppo Puttonen, meanwhile, compares the novel's mood to the films of Aki Kaurismäki, a darkly humorous look at those on the fringes of society. He also sees it as carrying on the Finnish male literary tradition of F.E. Sillanpää, Veikko Huovinen and Kari Hotakainen.
