Moominvalley in November

by Tove Jansson
Moominvalley in November cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1675
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780140307153
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 1974-01-01
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £12.99
Bookshop
Format • £7.59

Moominvalley in November invites readers into a world where autumn's chill signals the arrival of winter, and the Moomin family is mysteriously absent. The story unfolds as a group of unexpected friends—each with their own quirks and stories—settle into Moominhouse, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere despite the cold. The book beautifully captures the essence of friendship, adventure, and the magic of the changing seasons. /n/n This heartwarming tale is a delightful exploration of the Moominvalley ecosystem, filled with whimsical characters and enchanting landscapes. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that form when people come together, even in the absence of the beloved Moomins. The narrative is rich with themes of community, resilience, and the simple joys of life.

Reviews
The Metropolitan · Tobias Sturt · 2024-11-02
moving 4.75

The reviewer finds the book deeply emotional and reflective, noting the personal loss Jansson experienced while writing it. They appreciate the themes of loss and yearning that permeate the story.

Tobias Sturt's review of 'Moominvalley in November' highlights the profound emotional depth of the novel, which was written during a period of personal loss for Tove Jansson. Sturt finds that this backdrop adds a layer of authenticity and raw emotion to the story, making it a poignant read. He particularly appreciates how Jansson weaves themes of loss and yearning into the narrative, creating a deeply moving experience. Sturt believes that this book stands out in the Moomin series for its mature and introspective approach.

Quick quotes

    Jansson's own mother died while she was writing the book; she too no longer had a mother.

    The book is full of loss and yearning, not just for the characters but for the reader as well.

    It's a testament to Jansson's skill that she can make a children's story feel so deeply adult and emotionally complex.

Klein Letters · 2021-01-01
balanced 4.25

The reviewer finds the book a bit melancholic but also heartwarming and funny, appreciating the insights into the characters and the series' conclusion.

The reviewer from Klein Letters offers a nuanced perspective on 'Moominvalley in November,' noting its melancholic undertones while also highlighting its heartwarming and humorous moments. They appreciate the deep insights into the characters and the series' conclusion, finding it a fitting and emotional end to the Moomin series. The reviewer believes that Jansson's ability to balance different emotions makes this book a standout in the series, offering both comfort and introspection.

Quick quotes

    It's kind of melancholy in some ways, but heartwarming and funny in others.

    It's a fine final novel with great insights into the characters.

    Jansson's writing is both poignant and tender, making this a deeply satisfying read.

Simon Petrie's Blog · Simon Petrie · 2016-05-29
poignant 4.50

The reviewer appreciates the unique characters and the melancholic tone of the book, highlighting Jansson's ability to evoke deep emotions. They find the absence of the Moomin family intriguing and the story poignant.

Simon Petrie delves into the emotional depth of 'Moominvalley in November,' noting how Tove Jansson masterfully shifts the focus away from the beloved Moomin family to a group of lesser-known characters. He finds this departure refreshing and poignant, as it allows for a more introspective and melancholic narrative. Petrie particularly admires Jansson's ability to create a sense of longing and loss, making the story resonate on a deeper level. He believes that this book, while different from the others in the series, is a testament to Jansson's storytelling prowess.

Quick quotes

    In place of Moomins, Jansson gives us six disparate characters who visit the deserted Moominhouse in a search for the family of their memory.

    The book is a poignant exploration of absence and memory, filled with a melancholic beauty.

    Jansson's writing is at its most evocative here, capturing the essence of longing and the passage of time.

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