
'The Unknown Soldier' by Vaino Linna is a dark and gritty novel set in 1941 during the Finnish Continuation War against the Soviet Union. The story follows a Finnish machine gun company as they fight along the border, aiming to push back the Russians and regain lost territory. The narrative delves into the messy, bloody, and horrifying realities of warfare, portraying the experiences of young soldiers facing the pointlessness of conflict. The book captures the struggles, sacrifices, and camaraderie of the soldiers, providing insight into the complexities of the war and the characters' evolving relationships amidst the chaos of battle.
The novel is a masterful portrayal of the Finnish soldiers' tenacious struggle against the overwhelming forces of Stalin's Red Army. Through a mix of comedy, tragedy, and farce, the author paints a poignant picture of ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances, showcasing their bravery, resilience, and humanity amidst the brutal military setting. Linna's writing style is both accessible and deeply moving, offering a searingly honest depiction of the wartime experiences and emotions of the soldiers, making 'The Unknown Soldier' a compelling and immersive read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Unknown Soldier include graphic depictions of warfare, intense violence, death, and themes of trauma related to combat.
From The Publisher:
'There they stood, bumbling into lines with a bit of difficulty: Mother Finland's chosen sacrifice to world history'
Unknown Soldiers follows the fates of a ramshackle troupe of machine-gunners in the Second World War, as they argue, joke, swear, cadge a loaf of bread or a cigarette, combat both boredom and horror in the swamps and pine forests - and discover that war will make or break them. One of Finland's best-loved books, this gritty and unromantic depiction of battle honours the dogged determination of a country and the bonds of brotherhood forged between men at war, as they fight for their lives.
'A rediscovered classic... profound and enriching ... Unknown Soldiers still has the power to shock' Herald
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About the Author:
Väinö Linna (1920-1992) was one of the most influential Finnish authors of the 20th century. He shot to immediate literary fame with his third novel, Tuntematon sotilas (Unknown Soldiers), and consolidated his position with the trilogy Täällä Pohjantähden alla (Under the North Star).
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