Helena Ruuska began studying Finnish literature at the age of 19, and she remains on the same path. Aside from teaching, over the years Dr Ruuska has written literature reviews for the publications Parnasso, Uusi Suomi, Suomen Kuvalehti and Helsingin Sanomat. In her opinion, a critic is also similar to a teacher. Inevitably, a critic gives advice on what and how to read.

The work of a critic has been like a university of literacy. The critic first becomes absorbed in the text and then writes scattered comments in the margins. S/he likes or dislikes the book. In the analysis phase, paper is needed for taking notes, as is a professional attitude to the work that is read. Good literature is not always according to one’s personal tastes.

Writing a review is about interpretation and deepening understanding. Dr Ruuska admits that her work as a critic has continued because of this phase, despite all her other work. The annual autumn book releases have attracted and hooked me year after year.

Dr Ruuska wrote her doctoral dissertation on Marja-Liisa Vartio’s novel Kaikki naiset näkevät unia (All Women Have Dreams), fell in love with the author and subsequently wrote a her literary biography, Marja-Liisa Vartio. Kuin linnun kirkaisu (2012). It seems that Dr Ruuska will remain on the same path, as this autumn will see the release of her biography of the writer Eeva Joenpelto, Eeva Joenpelto. Elämän kirjailija. She has given herself until Christmas to decide who she will write about next.