Matti and Niila in Pajala

"As early as in class six Niila's awkward relationship with girls started to become clear. It had nothing to do with his appearance, even if he was no beauty, with his typically Finnish potato of a nose, prominent cheekbones, and hair that was always greasy, no matter how often he washed it. He was lankier than I, and perhaps a bit jerky, fumbling in his movements. But he wasn't repulsive. On the contrary, he radiated a sort of energy that prowled around like a caged animal, looking for a way of escape. It would be an exaggeration to call it an inner fire, perhaps; but it was something warm and vulnerable. It rankled within him and the girls could sense it. He had will power, a root forming in his back bone."

"All the time there were other girls in the background, not my type, it's true, but there nonetheless. Girls who were adventurous. Who were willing to take risks, cling to the edge of the precipice by their fingertips, who were willing to launch themselves into the night sky. "

From
Popular Music from Vittula
by Mikael Niemi