Suuri illusioni
| Author | Mika Waltari |
|---|---|
| Language | Finnish |
| Publisher | WSOY |
Publication date | 1928 |
| Publication place | Finland |
| Pages | 294 |
Suuri illusioni ('Great illusion' or 'Grand illusion') is a 1928 novel by the Finnish writer Mika Waltari and also his debut novel. It is about bohemian and aimless urban life in the author's own generation. The novel became a breakthrough for Waltari, who previously had been a writer of religious poetry and horror short stories. It received positive reviews and was translated into several languages.
The novel begins with a description of the feast in Mrs. Spindel's salon. Mrs. Spindel was modeled on Minna Craucher (1891–1932), a real-life salon manager known for her dubious reputation.
The book was the basis for the 1985 film Grand Illusion directed by Tuija-Maija Niskanen.