Riku Korhonen’s new novel unfolds like a Greek tragedy.
– Jukka Koskelainen, Helsingin Sanomat

Here it is: an unapologetic Bildungsroman, dealing with difficult social questions, about the lives of thirty-something drifters. Korhonen conjures up a vibrant image of our times with brand names, songs, frustrating seminars and the ubiquitous powers of the internet. […] Whereas [Hannu] Salama’s characters decide not to love, Korhonen’s characters would like to love, but that’s just not enough. This emotionally charged novel makes extensive structural use of repetition and changes in perspective.
– Saara Kesävuori, Aamulehti

Korhonen’s depiction of the 21st-century young man is merciless, but in all its brutal revelation of self-centredness it is striking and searing.
– Kaisa Kurikka, Turun Sanomat

Korhonen has a masterful use of narrative styles and skilfully combines many different elements in his novel. In its sheer abundance the novel does not give itself up all at once but blossoms gradually like a Russian classic. We could read Korhonen simply for his use of language – and what language it is.

– Karo Hämäläinen, Suomen Kuvalehti

The First-Aid Book […] crafts a metaphor about the medical profession in which the boundary between doctor and patient is blurred. Korhonen makes extensive, exquisite use of different genres and styles, but as a whole the work carries its content with fresh language and great originality.
– Reija Palttala, Keskisuomalainen

The First-Aid Book is a splendid polyphonic novel about Niklas, a thirty-something PhD student from Turku, caught between his grieving partner Inna, the stalling work on his doctoral thesis and his own memories. In its sheer length and variety, the novel is a refreshing departure from the minimalism favoured all too often by many contemporary authors. Such a sensitive and beautiful depiction of a young man’s love has not been seen in Finnish literature for years.
– Salla Brunou, Etelä-Saimaa

Riku Korhonen’s second novel takes the reader deep into the heart of the male mind. At the same time, Korhonen paints a powerful image of our times using a vibrant collage of different voices and perspectives.
– Matti Sauramo, Uutispäivä Demari