Suitcase childhood

The author

I just finished reading a book called Matkalaukkalapsuus by Lotta-Sofia Saahko which tells stories of five people who have grown up in different cultures during their lives. I started this blog in order to write about cultural differences so when I saw a book written about cultural differences I wanted to read it right away. I enjoyed reading the book a lot and it lit up strong emotions many times.

I could relate many times even though I have lived suitcase life mostly during my adult life. Therefore I haven't had the identity battle where I am from, like the people in the book. Having solid roots in Finland has given me a different perspective to adapt to a new place. The book gave examples how moving to a new country can give a chance to reinvent yourself by being more outgoing and social like Nicholas. Or moving to a new place can lead to an isolation which happened to Karoliina. Might be surprising that a person who has Finnish parents and speaks Finnish might feel like a foreigner in Finland. Especially I like how many anecdotes with details were connected to point out cultural differences. 

There was some story lines which I was hoping to be elaborated more. For example Karoliina had eating disorder but I was wondering how did she actually got hold of it. Mother of Shuichi highlighted the importance of studies but Shuichi finally ended up choosing a career where the good grades do not have that big importance. I wonder how that battle was between mother and her son.

Even though all the stories are connected to Finland I believe that anyone who is interested in cultural differences, wants to understand better foreigners living their home country or has themself lived abroad would enjoy reading the book. After finishing this book I would be interested to read the suitcase lifestyle story of the author called Koti kulttuurien välissä.