Olavi Paavolainen
Olavi Paavolainen was a Finnish writer, essayist and poet. He was one of the prominent figures of the literary group Tulenkantajat, and one of the most influential Finnish writers of the inter-war period.
Paavolainen was interested in Fascism and National Socialism, but after the World War II he turned to the political left. Paavolainen's notable works include the 1936 travel report Kolmannen valtakunnan vieraana and the 1946 Synkkä yksinpuhelu, based on his war diaries.
Paavolainen was bisexual. In the 1930s, he had a long relationship with the writer Helvi Hämäläinen. In 1945–1953 Paavolainen was married with the actress Sirkka-Liisa Virtamo. After the divorce he was in a relationship with the communist leader Hertta Kuusinen.Awards
- Eino Leino Prize 1960
Works
- Nuoret runoilijat, 1924
- Valtatiet, 1928
- Nykyaikaa etsimässä, 1929
- Keulakuvat, 1932
- Suursiivous eli kirjallisessa lastenkamarissa, 1932
- Kolmannen valtakunnan vieraana, 1936
- Lähtö ja loitsu, 1937
- Risti ja hakaristi, 1938
- Synkkä yksinpuhelu, 1946
