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Not Before Sundown

by Johanna Sinisalo
Not Before Sundown by Johanna Sinisalo
  ★ 7.48 / 49
1★22★3★14★35★76★37★258★19★810★

The original novel was published in 2000.

Published in the US as Troll: a Love Story. Several translations to other languages.

Finlandia prize 2000, Kuvastaja prize (Best Finnish Fantasy book) 2001, The James Tiptree Jr. Award, 2004.

Mikhael, a young, gay commercial photographer, finds in the courtyard of his high-rise apartment block a small, man-like creature. It is a troll, a beast familiar to us from Scandinavian mythology where, through the ages, it has been used to frighten children. The troll is a demonic wild beast, a hybrid like the werewolf. Today it is used as a hairy, cuddly toy by Nordic children.

Mikhael gives the troll a name, Pessi, and takes him home. The first thing Mikhael does is research everything that has been written about trolls from the internet, from folklore tales, studies of nature science and various newspaper cuttings. Palomita, the Filipino woman from downstairs, helps Mikhael understand that Pessi is like a child that must be fed and nurtured.

What the reader learns is that trolls exude pheromones that smell like a Calvin Klein aftershave, and causes all the novel's characters to fall in love with one another — one-sidedly and cross-wise. Mikhael falls in love with Martes, the head of an advertising agency. Doctor Spiderman and Ecke in turn fall in love with Mikhael because of the scent. What Mikhael fails to learn, with tragic consequences, is that Pessi the troll is the interpreter of man's darkest, most forbidden feelings.

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Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Translation, Alternate History
Release date: 2003
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Johanna Sinisalo

Johanna Sinisalo

Johanna Sinisalo is a celebrated Finnish author whose works have captivated readers around the world with their unique blend of speculative fiction, dark humor, and poignant social commentary. Known for her ability to weave intricate narratives that explore both the mystical and the everyday, Sinisalo’s writing reflects her deep connection to Finland's natural landscapes and its cultural mythology, all while pushing the boundaries of genre to examine the complexities of human existence.

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Born in Finland, Sinisalo grew up surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Finnish countryside, an environment that would later influence the atmospheric settings of her novels. She studied literature and creative writing, eventually becoming one of Finland's most distinguished voices in contemporary fiction. Her early works explored the intersections of folklore and modern life, a theme that remains central to her storytelling today.

Sinisalo’s breakthrough came with Troll: A Love Story (Ennen päivänlaskua ei voi), which garnered international acclaim for its mix of urban fantasy, science fiction, and mythological themes. The novel’s exploration of identity, love, and societal alienation resonated with readers globally, establishing Sinisalo as a formidable talent in speculative fiction. Her works often reflect a deep sense of the uncanny, using elements of the fantastical to examine real-world issues like environmentalism, gender, and power dynamics.

With a writing style that is both elegant and disquieting, Sinisalo’s work often blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Her characters, rich in complexity, are frequently faced with moral dilemmas that force them to confront their own beliefs and desires, challenging readers to think critically about the world they inhabit. Whether it’s the eerie presence of a mythical creature or the haunting beauty of nature, Sinisalo crafts worlds that are both otherworldly and deeply rooted in the human experience.

Over the years, Sinisalo’s writing has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Finlandia Prize for Fiction. Her works have been translated into several languages, earning her a loyal following far beyond Finland’s borders. Known for her distinctive voice, Sinisalo continues to carve her own path in the world of speculative fiction, crafting stories that transcend genre to reveal deeper truths about humanity’s place in the world.

As one of Finland’s most celebrated literary voices, Johanna Sinisalo offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on the fantastical, combining elements of myth and reality in ways that challenge readers to see the world through a different lens. Her works are a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition, making her a unique and important figure in the world of contemporary fiction.

More books by Johanna Sinisalo

Giants at the End of the World
  ★ 8.00 / 1
The Core of the Sun
  ★ 8.06 / 18
The Blood of Angels
  ★ 7.72 / 14
Birdbrain
  ★ 6.66 / 9
The Dedalus Book of Finnish Fantasy
not yet rated

Book Reviews

10/02/2007
Seregil of Rhiminee avatar
Seregil of Rhiminee
3707 books, 260 reviews, 15 posts
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8 / 10

I decided to give Not Before Sundown another try a couple of days ago. I previously read it in Finnish and in English. This time I read it in English. When I read this book for the first time, I didn't like it very much, because it felt like I had read better stories. Now that I read it again, I must admit that it has gradually grown on me and I've begun to like it. I guess that this is one of those books that must be read with time and patience to fully appreciate its charm. The story is original and it's clearly meant to be read by adults, who want to think about things. This is not an easy fantasy book and it must not be read in haste - it must be read with enough time or you won't like it. I must say that I'm glad that I decided to give this book another try and didn't let my earlier opinions affect me. I read it with an open mind and without prejudices. This time it opened to me in a whole new way and it felt like there was depth to the story. Not Before Sundown is an interesting book and it can be recommended to fantasy fans, who want to read something different and want to be challenged by what they have read. I recommend this book especially to adult readers, because this book contains many elements, which can only be appreciated by adults.

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