I think it was perhaps a stroke of fortune that prompted me to pick this up for my last read of 2021.

Snufkin has always been one of my favourite characters from [a:Tove Jansson|45230|Tove Jansson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1419249529p2/45230.jpg]'s Moomin series, perhaps because a lot of his traits resonate with me. He prefers solitude, is nomadic, and indulges in quiet rumination. He eschews material wealth, preferring to embrace a spartan existence, and dislikes authority figures. He reminds me a lot of two other characters who share similar personalities - the Dúnadan, Aragorn son of Arathorn from [b:The Lord of the Rings|33|The Lord of the Rings|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566425108l/33.SX50.jpg|3462456], and Roronoa Zoro from the One Piece franchise. Each of these characters embodies a quiet, introspective persona, and each is a man of few words, which, when spoken, are carefully chosen.

This book introduces us to snippets of Snufkin's ruminations from the different Moomin books, sorted by general themes. Snufkin has pondered on various aspects of his world and existence, and I am sharing below some of the book's particularly memorable quotes, especially in light of the coming year.

Walking was easy because his rucksack was almost empty and he didn't have to worry about anything. Snufkin was pleased with the forest, the weather and himself. Tomorrow and yesterday were equally distant from him now, for just at that moment the bright red sun was shining down from the birch trees, and the air was cool and mild.

"I live all over the place," answered Snufkin, and put the coffee pot on the fire. "Today I happen to be here; tomorrow I will be somewhere else. I wander about as I please. When I find a place I like, I pith my tent and play my harmonica."

Snufkin walked about quietly, the trees of the forest surrounding him. It began to rain. The raindrops fell on his green hat and rain jacket. The pitter-patter and rustling of the rain was everywhere and the comforting, exquisite solitude of the forest engulfed him.

"Tonight is the night for a song," thought Snufkin. "I'll think up a new song that is one part anticipation, two parts pining for spring, and the rest a joyous declaration of how wonderful it is to be alone and at peace with yourself."

Snufkin's pace of life inspires me to remember to slow down, imbibe my surroundings, pay attention to the small things, and be comfortable in my skin.

This book is for anybody who needs a reminder of the things that really matter in one's life.