Lehtonen, Joel (1881–1934)

Finnish poet and novelist. His finest work is a series of novels about events surrounding the Finnish civil war 1918 and its aftermath. In Kuolleet omenapuut 1918 and Putkinotko 1918–19, he portrayed people on opposing sides in the war in an attempt to understand its origin and brutality. Later novels, particularly Rakastunut rampa 1922 and Henkien taistelu 1933, were a tragic protest against the breakdown of values caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization in the newly independent Finland.

Lehtonen was born in Sääminki. After leaving school he became a journalist and travelled widely.