When I forgot, by Elina Hirvonen

In Finnish writer Elina Hirvonen’s universe, the psyche is a fragile thing. When Anna and Ian meet, their common experience with mental illness in their families – and the overwhelming guilt they both feel about it – immediately connects them.

Her brother Joona easily swings from rage to despair, setting fire to whatever’s disturbing him, doing violence to himself and others. Ian’s father is a traumatized Vietnam veteran. Both are in mental institutions. Read more