WSOY's author Sofi Oksanen won the 2008 Finlandia Prize for fiction with her novel "Puhdistus" (Purge).
Sofi Oksanen's work describes life in the Soviet occupied Estonia directly after Estonia had gained its independence. The story is told through two strong women Aliide and Zara and it reflects also their shame and guilt.
Also the Finlandia prize for non-fiction was this year granted to WSOY's author Marjo Nurminen. Her book "Tiedon tyttäret. Oppineita eurooppalaisia naisia antiikista valistukseen" (The daughters of knowledge. Erudite European women from Antiquity to Enlightenment) describes the life 25 of sophisticated and curious women.
The Finlandia prizes are granted by the Finnish Book Foundation. They include prizes for fiction, non-fiction and children's literature, which amount to EUR 30,000 each.
WSOY is part of Leanring & Literature division of the Sanoma Group.