Comet in Moominland is the second of eight books set in the world of the Moomins. The book was written in 1946 and many believe author, Tove Jansson, wrote it as a parable for the nuclear threat and the real possibility of nuclear annihilation that existed post-Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the tail end of WW2. Whatever the truth, these whimsical stories with heart and street philosophy mean so much to so many because, through the mouth of these hippo-like creatures are aphorisms and truths about life and the human condition and so it is with this tale.
Sniff and Moomintroll discover a mysterious path near the coast and find that it leads to a cave. Whilst traveling back home they see portents of doom and witness unusual phenomena like the sky changing into an unusual colour and the seabed drying up. They then plan to travel to the Lonely Mountain to talk to the scientists at the observatory to find out what is going on. Along the way they meet Snork Maiden, Snufkin and other characters who would become series regulars. When they find out that there is a comet blazing towards Moominvalley and will lead to oblivion the team head home where Moomintroll believes Moominmamma will make everything okay.
What could be a sombre meditative tale about the preciousness of life is in-fact sprinkled with dashes of humour, warmth and truth. Even though oblivion is imminent there are adventures aplenty, with night dances, shopping trips and romance. The characters enjoy the simple pleasures in life and don't let the existential threat dampen their spirits for long. Whether this was written as a nuclear parable or not, the tale is profound and works at a deeper level for those looking for meaning.
Often, we see our lives as being made up of big milestones based on decisions we have made and situations that have occurred but sometimes it's the smaller moments that shape us. Sometimes there are serendipitous moments where the right people at the right time become lifelong touchstones that affect us profoundly and become quietly pivotal and so it is with this book where Moomintroll meets Snufkin and Snork Maiden and his life is never the same again.
For those looking for an enjoyable road trip romp, this does that too. This is the beauty of Jansson, she is a humanist and writes about the human condition unlike anyone else whilst having a fun and exciting jaunt for our characters.