One peculiarity of the Finnish language is that sexual violation or mistreatment is expressed with the word hyväksikäyttö — literally, something close to “taking advantage” or “making use” of someone. The inadequacy of the term fails to convey that, from the victim’s perspective, the act is destructive and deeply harmful. It almost erases the victim’s point of view and focuses instead on the perpetrator’s twisted form of “benefit”.
Markku Haussila's second novel, Miehet joita luulin rakastaneeni, depicts this phenomenon on an intensely concrete level.
The abuser, Veini, places photographs of his victim, the prepubescent Siim, before the eyes of the entire world, and because of them he is elevated to an almost genius-like status. Siim, meanwhile, is forced to conceal his feelings and experiences so that the true events will not be exposed.
The novel is at its most compelling when it describes how power, shame and a fractured self-image become entwined into destructive chaos in the adult Siim’s mind.
Haussila portrays Siim’s inner world with precision and force. The descriptions of dissociation are particularly successful. Haussila shows unsparingly how the mind tries to protect itself from what is too heavy to face directly.
Towards the end, the grip loosens somewhat. The story begins to spread in too many directions, and some of the resolutions come about a little too easily. At the same time, some of the characters and their motives remain thin. In particular, the explanation of Siim’s father’s actions feels at times too neatly packaged, even verging on armchair psychology. On the other hand, the silly, lifelike parents bring balance to the dark-toned narrative.
Haussila creates strong images, but every now and then he falls into explaining them too much. The following passage, for example, is powerful: “I was already caught on his hooks. They were deep in my flesh, and those same large, crooked, twisted hooks also hung from the bodies of my father and mother. The beast’s enchanting trap was ready.” The image carries itself, and the final explanatory sentence does not really strengthen it.
Miehet joita luulin rakastaneeni calls to mind Silja Liukkonen’s novel Vippi-ihmisiä from a few years ago in the way it depicts a damaged mind from the inside. At its best, the book has a shattering intensity. It is a quick read, but it stays with you for a long time.
Markku Haussila: Miehet joita luulin rakastaneeni (Gummerus 2026)