Toisia tiloja

Heterotopiat Eeva Joenpellon Lohja-sarjassa

• Tiina Mahlamäki Turun yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30665/av.74731

Abstract

Other spaces – Heterotopies in Eeva Joenpelto’s Lohja series

Eeva Joenpelto’s tetralogy, the Lohja series was published in 1970’s. The novels are describing the post-civil-war-Finland from the point of view of a rural village and its inhabitants. The article focuses on Michel Foucault’s concept heterotopia which refers to “other spaces”, i.e., the counter-sites, ambivalent and marginal places where the normal order of things is contested and subverted. Typical heterotopias according to Foucault are, for instance, prisons, brothels, theatres and cemeteries. The article describes three heterotopias found in the Lohja series: a maternity hospital, orphanage and hostel. It focuses especially on the relationship and tension between heterotopias and homes. In what ways the functions and dimensions of home become visible and present in heterotopias?