Based on the author’s own experience We Sinners is a revelatory, concise, sensitive picture of a family of eleven. It is a family that in all probability we would not know as the Rovaniemis are fundamentalists, devout believers in their strict Finnish-American faith. It is a faith that directs not only what they believe but what they say and do.
The nine children are forbidden much - movies, television, dancing and as they grow older drinking, birth control. They must share bed, bath and clothing. Of course, there are the anticipated problems with that many young ones in small living quarters - fusses, spats, sibling rivalry but above all the dominant factor is their church. One of the youngsters, Uppa, explains their religion to a friend, “It’s called Laestadianism. It’s a kind of Lutheranism where everyone is hung up on being Lutheran more than all the other normal Lutherans.” There are explanations aplenty throughout as the author sensitively reveals not only the words but thoughts of all family members, which allows readers to better understand the confined world in which they live. For instance, consider school, either elementary or upper school for the young Rovaniemis and how very unlike their classmates they are.
Plyvainen wisely relates the family’s struggles and minimal successes through the eyes of mother (Pirjo), father (Warren) and each child. Warren who tends to moodiness seems to run hot and cold not only in his own life but in his relationships with his offspring. On the other hand, Pirjo is the one who seeks to understand, offer them a bit of latitude and fret when they stray from their religion’s dictates.
We Sinners is an open, obviously deeply felt debut as the author introduces us to a segment of America’s subculture which is probably unknown to the vast majority. Pylvainen’s writing is spare, austere, beautiful. She’s a talent to watch.
- Gail Cooke
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