Year of the hare: a novel by Arto Paasilinna

A delightfully whimsical novel that explores what's really important in life. A Helsinki journalist driving through rural Finland accidentally hits a hare with his car. He gives in to the urge to abandon the car (and the surly photographer he is on assignment with) find the hare and mend its broken leg. The hare becomes his constant companion and inspires him to quit his spiritless job, end his loveless marriage, sell his beloved boat and take off for a year exploring the north of Finland, working odd jobs and getting himself involved in one mad caper after another.