Imaginary Girl

By Aino Louhi

Imaginary Girl is about relationships in childhood, adolescence and adulthood: bittersweet friendships, overwhelming infatuation, being invisible and being seen. Little, seemingly insignificant situations and moments pierce the Imaginary Girl’s mind, casting shadows and hopes for the future.

Aino Louhi’s award-winning debut grap­hic novel Imaginary Girl, portrays inter-personal relationships during youth. It received both The Tampere City Literature Award and The Most Beautiful Books of the Year -honour mention in 2020.

Publishing information

Year of publication

2020

Page count

168

Original title

Mielikuvitustyttö

Original language

Finnish

Original publisher

Suuri Kurpitsa

Awards & nominations

Awards

2020

The Most Beautiful Books of the Year -honour mention

2020

The Tampere City Literature Award

About the author

Aino Louhi (b. 1981) is an established illustrator, painter and cartoonist based in Tampere. Louhi works in various art forms, and her extensive production includes children’s books, paintings, installations, and a broad collection of comic diaries. She has participated in several group and solo exhibitions for more than two decades.

Author page

Reviews

“In Aino Louhi's graphic novel, the illustration conveys feelings of friendship, identity and finding one's own voice in a way that touches people of all ages.”

Lastenkirjahylly.fi

“Aino Louhi vividly describes the coming of age of the imaginary girl”

Etelä-Suomen Sanomat

“A realistic and down-to-earth story”

Savon Sanomat

“The book has stunning full-page portraits and a wonderful delicacy. The text does not over-explain but gently floats alongside the pictures.”

Kirjavinkit.fi

“A melancholically beautiful story that accurately and sensitively depicts the uncertainties of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It is a comforting reading experience.(…) Louhi's simple, effective illustrations, concise text and carefully considered rhythm turn ordinary life into art.”

Kulttuuritoimitus.fi