Aleksis Kivi's Seven Brothers, published in 1870, was the first novel written in the Finnish language, and it has stood the test of time as a great work of literature. When the seven unruly brothers of the Jukola family find themselves unmarriageable, and in trouble with the authorities and their neighbors, they decide to leave town and set off together to build a new house in the forest, where plenty of adventure awaits.
Seven Brothers is an important, funny, and all-around enjoyable book. It's required reading in Finnish schools and highly recommended for anyone interested in Finnish culture and literature. Richard Impola's translation is a welcome update to previous editions, and brief introductions by the translator and the publisher give insight into the text.