Fiona

is a historical novel

situated in Mikkeli in 1864. The theme of the story is women´s status in the society. At the heart of the story, there is a young woman as a teacher at the Antell School – which also opens the doors to Mikkeli's colorful history. The book not only tells the story of the fictive teacher but also invites readers to get to know the significant places of the town in 1864: Pirttiniemi spa, Billing restaurant, Saksala manor house, and many other places of the past.

In addition to the fictive characters, the story briefly introduces persons who have influenced the history of the town, such as Alexandra and Alina Antell, the first mayor Julius Nygren, the doctor of the county hospital and the founder of Pirttiniemi spa Johan Björkstén, and the music director David Neuman. They come to life and lead readers back in time to 1864. The novel is full of everyday details that make Mikkeli's history vivid and colorful.

FIONA's story takes the readers on a journey to a time when Mikkeli was just beginning to take shape into the town we know today.

Cover: Iiris Kallunki