When they have to promote themselves. When an acquaintance says hello by kissing them on a cheek. When they owe a favour. When they wait for a bus in pouring rain, but there´s already someone under the pentice. When they run out of coffee. That´s when it happens. A finnish awkward moment. The character of Karoliina Korhonen´s comic strips is finnish Matti, who loves silence and personal space. If someone gets angry or is behaving badly, he wonders what he has done wrong. Finnish Nightmares is a book about what it is like to be a finn in social occasions. For a foreigner the book opens implied codes that can be difficult to understand but are shared with all finns.
Finnish NightmaresSeries
This series humorously explores the seemingly ordinary yet often awkward social situations faced by introverted Finns. Follow the main character as he navigates uncomfortable encounters, embarrassing misunderstandings, and the pressure to step outside his comfort zone. With gentle wit and keen observation, these works reveal the subtle nuances of Finnish culture and social etiquette. It's a relatable and funny look at what it means to be Finnish in a world that constantly tests your need for quiet and personal space.


Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
Meet Matti. If you don't him already. This is a second book of his life (and mentioning this makes him a little embarrassed). Matti does things the way a regular Finn would do: in silence and trying his best not to stand out or bother anyone.