Best of the Spectator Book Club: Comet in Moominland turns 80
Oct 30, 2025
Nat Jansz, co-runner of Sort of Books and champion of Tove Jansson's Moomin works, joins to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Comet in Moominland. She dives into Jansson's artistry and how war influenced her shift from painting to writing, creating a unique blend of light and dark. Jansz also explores the deeper themes in Jansson's narratives that appeal to both children and adults, and hints at the author's hidden romantic life shaping characters. Finally, she praises the lyrical quality of the new English translation of this beloved classic.
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Moominland As Wartime Escape
- Tove Jansson built Moominland as an artistic escape from wartime trauma and resource shortages.
- The books blend light and dark so children can process difficult realities safely.
Moomin Origin On A Toilet Door
- Tove Jansson drew the first Moomin after a row with her brother about Immanuel Kant.
- She called the drawing the snork and put it on an outside toilet door as a provocation.
Small Creatures, Big Courage
- The Moomins face huge external threats yet respond with geniality, curiosity and moral courage.
- That calm resilience reassures readers that catastrophe can be survived and life restored.
