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Tube-shaped and topped with a circle of ruby red jam, this is a Runeberg cake, and it’s eaten to commemorate the birthday of Finland’s national poet, Johan Runeberg, who was born on Feb. 5, 1804.

Thompson insists he doesn't write "to send political or social messages" but like Finland's national poet Johan Runeberg, his books are filled with characters and plots that do just that.

Even Thompson's leading man Vaara, whose name can be translated as "Stone Danger," seems to be a nod to Runeberg's 19th-century protagonists who had heroic yet simple surnames that supposedly reflected their honesty and valor.

Eleven hymns by two of Finland’s great poets, Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Zachris Topelius, are also found in the appendix.

In no less degree was the national feeling intensified by the great poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg.