Benjamin Kivi is the title character's life story, told as a memoir from his boyhood to becoming a man of 100. Born poor, Benjamin wants to be a winner. He seeks fame and fortune - and he gets them at a price. The ground burns under his feet. It keeps him on the move, changing places and personalities. He jumps from job to job, becomes an entrepreneur, escapes the police, takes on a new name and becomes an embezzler's chauffeur. At night he lines his pockets driving criminals on violent gigs Goodfellas style.

Benjamin surfaces next as the wealthy owner of a movie theatre complete with a big house, a young, smart wife and a family. But just when all is well, Benjamin is transported over the eastern border. In harsh conditions he takes on yet another identity, encounters his unforgettable first love and their son, now a grown man. The twists and turns continue?

Benjamin Kivi can be read as an account of the birth of capitalism, like Mario Puzo's 'The Godfather Trilogy' or the westerns of Sergio Leone. Or as the story of independent Finland - in fictional form and distorted by anacronisms. Kyrö's narration is intelligent and multi-layered. He plays with allusions to movies and television characters from Rocky to Bam Margera in Jackass. And a wild recklessness accelerates the story in the con man tradition.

See other books from this author:

700 Grams

Union