In Finland. A man spontaneously and abruptly abandons his professional and personal life and spends the next year wandering around the country, up into the Arctic Circle, with his companion, a hare. Much manual labor, chopping of wood, heavy drinking, hunting, and more heavy drinking ensues. Strange characters are encountered. Moments both tragic and happy abound. The hare, though mute and an animal, is nearly as strong and memorable a character as Vatanen, the protagonist.

This is a quick read, an escapist novel, with just a touch of magical realism and whimsy. Despite its short length and sparse style, there is a lot going on that would merit a second reading. Enjoyable.