Finland at War: The Continuation and Lapland Wars 1941–45

Finland at War 1939-1945 #2

by Vesa Nenye, Peter Munter, Toni Wirtanen

Having foiled the Soviet invasion of the Winter War, the Finns found themselves embroiled in an ongoing conflict to maintain their borders as the Soviets recovered from the initial advances made by the Germans during the Barbarossa campaign. Yet as the red tide of Soviet forces pushed back the German army, the Finnish forces--despite their lack of equipment, obsolete machinery and miniscule manpower--held firm against the Soviets throughout the continuation of the war, ensuring their post-war independence on the Western side of the Iron curtain.

But that was not the end of hostilities for the exhausted Finnish nation as they turned their attentions to the Nazi forces embedded within their territory, calling up brigades populated with teenagers to force German forces inexorably back.

Featuring some incredible, never-before-seen photographs and firsthand accounts, this is the history of one of the most incredible moments in modern military history.

Genres: History, Military History, World War II, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2016

Reviews

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up to the first volume that covered the Winter War. Finland truly had a tightrope to walk in WWII, one I don't think any outsider can really judge. Churchill and Mannerheim maintained some level of correspondence throughout the entire war. 

The author presents the facts in an easy-to-follow middle ground narrative (The author's grandfather was a Chaplain in the Finnish armed forces during WWII), of military operations, with first-hand accounts lightly sprinkled throughout. This volume, just as the first, is amazingly complimented by Finnish photos, often from private collections. 

This series provides a great insight into the Finland's wars during WWII and how they managed to remain unoccupied by either the Soviets or Western Allies post-war. An interesting trivia factoid that I learned from this book; Finland remains the only country who successfully completed their entire war reparations totaling $300 million, delivered relatively quickly by 1952 to the Soviet Union. (The Soviet Union also demanded the exchange rate of 1938 be used, not the 1945 rates, which effectively doubled what Finland owed)

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I wish I had finished. Unfortunately, it was a non-renewable book from an out of state library and I failed to leave enough time. In truth, however, I believe a serious reader should consider owning a copy.

The author has culled through official and private sources to try to discern the thinking and motivation for Finland's actions in WWII. What is clear is that Finland, like other small countries, was a pawn in the unholy struggle between the USSR and Germany and that there would not be a good resolution.

The USSR was intent on absorbing Finland. The treaty following the Winter War was merely a pause while the USSR absorbed easier targets, but Finland was not forgotten and her attempts to maintain neutrality through defensive alliances with Sweden and other nearby states were thwarted.

[Laurance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Mr Nenye and co. It is one of the very few English language books on the Continuation War and the Lapland War. It is very heavily detailed with maps and bios on big names of the conflicts. It also helps to dispel some of the prevailing myths surrounding Finland's involvement with Nazi Germany.
This is a definite recommend for anyone interested in military history, especially those focusing on the Eastern Front.

[Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb book on an often unstudied topic of World War II history. I highly recommend this book for any history aficionado.

[César · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito importante nos nossos.

[Välke K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complex, surprising and interesting history

[lila bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, even funny at times, well researched, detailed and structured. All around well done and informative.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the Continuation War and the Lapland War. I have read several books on the Winter War. This shows the continued Soviet attacks against Finland in WWII. It is very detailed and contains many photos and maps. I do not recommend it as a light read. It is more of a reference work for scholars or those who are really interested in the war years in Finland, WWII or detailed history. I found it fascinating.