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The Unknown Soldier

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'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.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn, embodying a spectrum of traits and relationships, emphasizing camaraderie and the harsh realities of war.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible yet realistic, featuring dark humor and varied dialogue that evoke the soldiers' distinct personalities.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a Finnish company in the Continuation War, capturing their journey from training to harrowing battles, highlighting the stark realities of warfare and the impact of death.

Setting:

The story is set against the backdrop of the Finnish Eastern front during World War II, illustrating the grim conditions faced by soldiers.

Pacing:

The pacing balances action and stark reality, transitioning from initial combat excitement to an overarching sense of despair and futility.
As we all know, the Lord is almighty – he knows all and sees far. And so, one day, he let a forest fire burn a good swath of state land, laying waste to acres of the dry, pine forest around the town o...

Notes:

The Unknown Soldier was published in 1954, ten years after World War II ended.
The novel is about Finnish soldiers in the Continuation War (1941-1944) against the Soviet Union.
Vaino Linna, the author, fought in the war himself, giving the book a personal touch.
It’s set in a machine gun company, showcasing the gritty realities of wartime experiences.
The story begins with the soldiers' training after the Winter War and follows them through battle to retreat.
Characters in the novel are richly developed, showcasing a range of personalities and perspectives.
The main character, Lieutenant Vilho Koskela, is a calm and respected leader among his men.
The book is considered one of Finland's most popular works, in print continuously since its release.
It was the first Finnish novel to depict the war in a realistic manner rather than an idealized one.
Linna's writing combines bitter realism with moments of humor and human dignity.
The novel illustrates the bond formed between soldiers, often in the context of life or death situations.
Finnish history during World War II is complex, with Finland initially aligning with Germany against the USSR to regain lost territory.
The translation by Liesl Yamaguchi has been praised for its accessibility and capturing dialects.
Characters often reflect the chaos and futility of war, growing from inexperienced soldiers to more hardened men.
The book explores themes of bravery versus cowardice in the face of overwhelming odds.

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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