The book trade has been in decline for almost a decade. Publisher Touko Siltala is sceptical of a growth spurt being on the cards.

– It’s certainly possible that the much anticipated and promised breakthrough of the e-book will become a reality at some point. That could bring growth and money to publishing.

Siltala appeals to the friends of books to help maintain the physical book as a viable product.

– It’s as simple as this: the book culture needs people who buy books for themselves and for others as presents. Finnish literature and publishing will not survive on libraries alone.

At work Siltala reads on the computer screen all the time, but for leisure he switches to paper.

– I wouldn't dream of reading for fun on a screen. Of course I read a book as a book.

It turns out Mr Siltala’s favourites are domestic and international classics. He returns to them again and again, preferably lying down.

– In addition to Finnish classics I do try to keep up with the latest fiction. Especially when I’m on summer holiday, I love a leisurely read in German or French.