He was one of the most important authors from the sixties, in Finland. Among his published works are poetry and translations of contemporary classical works, such as James Joyce's Ulysses, JD Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, as well as works by Greek and Latin authors: Euripides, Heraclitus, Sappho, Xenophon ... Saarikoski also wrote columns under the pseudonym of Nenä («Nose»). His pen satirized the Church, the Army, politics and, fundamentally, the conservatism existing in these institutions. In his journalistic writings he parodied the official political jargon of the time in a sarcastic way. He was very respected in Finland, an authentic celebrity. Both his work and his personality were influenced by alcoholism, which would eventually lead him to an early death. During the period of the cold war, Saarikoski maintained affective ties with the communists, as a reflexive and intellectual way of putting himself before the overwhelming presence of the United States in the modern world.