Mornštajnová will be joined by Czech author and translator Markéta Hejkalová, who has translated works by Finnish literary icons, incl. Mika Waltari and Arto Paasilinna, into Czech.

The event takes place on Wednesday 21 October 2026, at 17,30 at Kallio Library (Viides linja 11, Helsinki).

What Finnish literature is being translated into Czech — and what Czech literature is finding its way into Finnish? Which Finnish authors are particularly popular among Czech readers, and what makes their work resonate?

Alena Mornštajnová is one of the most widely read contemporary Czech authors, with more than one million books sold in Czechia. Finnish readers know her through three Finnish translations: Hana, Hiljaiset vuodet and Marraskuu, translated by Susanna Räty and published by Kairaamo Kustannus.

Her books have also found readers around the world, with translation rights sold in nearly 30 countries. Her breakthrough novel Hana has been translated into numerous European languages as well as Persian and Arabic.

Welcome for an evening of literature, conversation and cross-cultural encounters!

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Alena Mornštajnová will also appear at the Helsinki Book Fair on Friday, 23 October 2026 at 16–16:30 (at the Töölö Stage).

Markéta Hejkalová will participate in the discussion at the Helsinki Book Fair on Thursday, 22 October at 15:30.

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Founded in 2022, Kairaamo Kustannus specializes in translated fiction. So far, the publisher has brought works by five contemporary Czech authors to Finnish readers.

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The literary evening is organized by Kairaamo Kustannus and Kallio Library, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Helsinki. 

This event is supported by the Czech Literary Centre and the Finnish Literature Exchange.