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The Winter War
When the Soviet Union invades its tiny neighbor Finland in November 1939, Marko volunteers to help the war effort. Even though his leg was weakened by polio, he can ski well, and he becomes a messenger on the front line, skiing in white camouflage through the forests at night. The dark forest is terrifying, and so are the odds against the Finns: the Russians have 4 times as many soldiers and 30 times as many planes. They have 3000 tanks, while the Finns have 30. But a tank is no help in the snowy forest–a boy on skis is. And the Russians don’t know winter the way the Finns do, or what tough guerrilla warriors the Finns are. Marko teams up with another messenger, Karl. Gradually Marko learns that Karl’s whole family was killed by the Russians. And Karl has a secret–he’s really Kaari, a girl who joined up to get revenge for her family’s deaths.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 13, 2010
The story is about Marko, a Finnish boy, who joins a Finnish army group as a messenger to fight against the USSR’s attempt to invade and take over the country of Finland in 1939. Interesting book, and especially interesting in its descriptions of how the Finns deal with very cold and snowy winters. Good explanation of Finland’s war with the Soviet Union in 1939. I’ve heard questions about why Finland sided with Germany for part of WWII; the explanation (though not detailed here since this book deals with earlier fighting) appears to be that the USSR attacked Finland in 1939 and tried to annex it after annexing Estonia and Latvia. I’m assuming that since the USSR was part of the Western Alliance, Finland wasn’t about to be allied with them if it meant being taken over by the Soviet Union. (As someone in Finland once told me, "We're the only country in the world that has fought 40 wars with Russian and lost all of them and we keep fighting." Perhaps 4th grade and up, especially boys, and anyone interested in war, skiing, orienteering, and Finland.
January 13, 2016
David and Goliath in the snow
Even though this book was written for older children and teens, I enjoyed it. It is an accurate representation of Finland's Winter War against the U.S.S.R. in the winter of 1939-1940. This war began when Stalin and his henchmen claimed that tiny Finland attacked the U.S.S.R. Using this phony provocation as an excuse, the Soviets invaded Finland with more than a million men. They would need more before it was over. In his memoirs, Kruchev claimed that the Soviet Union had more than one million casualties in this war. There is debate over the actual number. This novel tells the story of the fighting through the eyes of a boy recruited to be a company messenger. Even though the heroism and sacrifices of the Finnish people are depicted, the novel does not glorify war. The hardships and the fear are not glossed over but neither is the fact that the Finns overcame the odds and remained a free nation at the end of the war.
Even though this book was written for older children and teens, I enjoyed it. It is an accurate representation of Finland's Winter War against the U.S.S.R. in the winter of 1939-1940. This war began when Stalin and his henchmen claimed that tiny Finland attacked the U.S.S.R. Using this phony provocation as an excuse, the Soviets invaded Finland with more than a million men. They would need more before it was over. In his memoirs, Kruchev claimed that the Soviet Union had more than one million casualties in this war. There is debate over the actual number. This novel tells the story of the fighting through the eyes of a boy recruited to be a company messenger. Even though the heroism and sacrifices of the Finnish people are depicted, the novel does not glorify war. The hardships and the fear are not glossed over but neither is the fact that the Finns overcame the odds and remained a free nation at the end of the war.
August 18, 2009
Gr 5-9-In 1939 Finland, Marko serves proudly as a sky watcher, a junior member of the Civil Guard. On November 30, when Russian bombers attack his village, his best friend is killed, and his younger sister and brother must evacuate to Sweden. A chance encounter with a former teacher, now an army lieutenant, propels Marko, who still limps as a result of a bout with polio, to the front lines. His familiarity with the area around Savolahti and his orienteering skills make him an ideal clandestine messenger, carrying information back and forth between the small companies of soldiers hidden in the hills. The Winter War, a little-known campaign of World War II, comes to life as Marko relates his experiences during the bone-chilling months of 1939 and 1940. Durbin's graphic depictions of the realities of war are not for the faint of heart, and he does not soften his message regarding the lack of support that America and the world showed Finland during this time. More than a war story, though, this is a tale of resilience and self-discovery: Marko finds unsuspected reservoirs of strength within himself. The endings for him and his friends are a little too pat, but an afterword and sources for further study will satisfy readers who want to learn more. An engaging novel for adventure lovers and fans of historical fiction alike.-Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
March 21, 2019
It’s 1:10 a.m. and I finished the book! I can’t believe this book I missed this book when it came out. Absolutely loved it and have already recommended it to two people. A fast exciting historical read for middle schoolers and up.
August 20, 2017
A reminder of what Stalin was doing during World War II.
April 28, 2022
Our book club had heard about the winter war and wanted to read a historical fiction account of it and found this short book on the subject. I am glad we did because it was a book about the war but one I cared about mostly because of the characters involved. The main boy is plagued with the effects of polio so there is just so much he can do for the war effort when his beloved country of Finland is attacked by Stalin's Russians. But he volunteers to be a messenger boy when his former teacher says he could use the help. My goodness, the Russians outnumber the Finnish soldiers 4 to 1 ,and they have a ton more tanks and equipment, but they don't have the wisdom the Finnish have to conduct combat in the Finnish terrain and Finnish winter weather. This book seemed very topical for right now since about the same thing is happening in Ukraine as we read this book. It gives us an up close account of Finnish strategy on how they basically "won" the war, but still lost some land along the way. Yes, there were some violent portions of the book (it is, after all, a war book) and some memorable, very sad pictures left in the reader's head by the end of the book, but the book did what I wanted it to do --- make me care about what happened and also help me learn about a story in history I was not aware of. I want to read even more now on the subject because I heard as a result of this war, the Finnish continue to be prepared for Russia to invade at any time. They evidently made adjustments to this threat when they rebuilt their country after this war.
February 17, 2021
Marko, a young boy stricken with polio when he was young, lives in Finland. After many bombs from Russia killing many people including his only friend he decides to take a bigger risk. After sending his family to Sweden for safety, he enlists in the messenger system in the war. He lives with many others in tents with below freezing temps trying to live even they don't have much left. What will they do to live and defeat the Russians? I recommend this book to people who like action and historical fiction.
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March 9, 2021This book taught me about the sad times of war. Civilians getting killed, homes being destroyed, and and the tole it takes on a man in combat. It really made me realize that really there is nothing good about war.
August 2, 2023
A great read from the perspective of a young boy and his family as they fight in and survive the winter war between Finland and Russia at the start of WW2. it is a great part of history to learn and understand better with this read.
February 10, 2024
Obviously written for children, and I read it at 27, but good lord this is simply thinly veiled propaganda, NOT literature.
May 13, 2008
The Winter War is a historical fiction book about boy trying to help out his homeland during wartime. The main characters are Marko and Karl. The setting is Finland during the 1940 Winter War. Marko’s job is to alert the troops if the Soviets are coming. One day, Marko and his best friend, Johan, are keeping watch from a look out tower when they spot a Soviet airplane. They try to alert the Finnish troops and in the process Johan gets hit with one of the bombs and dies. Next, Lieutenant Juhola (his teacher) who is in the hospital, advises Marko to join the Finnish army as a messenger boy. This job’s responsibility is to deliver messages to other infantry units during battles by skiing through the forests. Marko is able to do this even though he has a brace on his leg from his bout with polio. He teams up with Karl (the other messenger boy) to help out the Finnish troops. Will Marko survive the dangerous war and overcome the many setbacks such as the harsh conditions and his crippled leg? Read the book. The conflict is internal. Should Marko keep fighting or go home since it is very dangerous on the battlefield?
William Durbin is an extraordinary writer. He describes battlefield scenes and the setting in Finland well. Also he uses understandable language necessary to the meaning of the book such as words about war. The plot was interesting and believable because this war did really happen. I chose this book because the cover grabbed my attention. I liked this book because it communicated a great message to have determination even though the odds are against you and to always help out a friend in need. I would recommend this to people that like historical fiction books about war.
(300 words)
William Durbin is an extraordinary writer. He describes battlefield scenes and the setting in Finland well. Also he uses understandable language necessary to the meaning of the book such as words about war. The plot was interesting and believable because this war did really happen. I chose this book because the cover grabbed my attention. I liked this book because it communicated a great message to have determination even though the odds are against you and to always help out a friend in need. I would recommend this to people that like historical fiction books about war.
(300 words)
October 26, 2012
The book I read was The Winter War by William Durban. Its takes place in Finland in the years 1939-1940, so when the Soviet Union was starting to invade territories. The main character Marko is caught during the first bombing and loses his best friend Johan. So he decides to join the the Finnish army called the Civil Guard to be a messenger, but he has polio so people will think it takes a toll on his skills but does it? I think the book was very historical on the sense of the realistic battles that they actually fought in during World War 2.
What i liked most about the book is how its about a real event that happened but it has a main story plot to it. I though that the writing style was good it incorporated the war with its own different little story and it is defiantly is a good read.
There was only one thing i didn't like about this story. Its the fact every two or three pages there would b a flashback to where Marko would be doing something with Johan. As in you would finish reading a flash back and then 5 pages later there would be another one.
This would be a good book for people who like fast reads because its only 212 or so pages so its defiantly a fast read for some people. I would also recommend it the the people that like history because while your reading and interesting story line you can have some good back round information about whats happening in the war at the time.
What i liked most about the book is how its about a real event that happened but it has a main story plot to it. I though that the writing style was good it incorporated the war with its own different little story and it is defiantly is a good read.
There was only one thing i didn't like about this story. Its the fact every two or three pages there would b a flashback to where Marko would be doing something with Johan. As in you would finish reading a flash back and then 5 pages later there would be another one.
This would be a good book for people who like fast reads because its only 212 or so pages so its defiantly a fast read for some people. I would also recommend it the the people that like history because while your reading and interesting story line you can have some good back round information about whats happening in the war at the time.
March 31, 2014
The Winter War by: William Durbin was an intense, wonderful book. It takes place in the late 1930s and the 1940s during the Winter War against the Soviet Union and Finland. It makes you think what it was like for the people who had to live in Finland close-ish to the boarder of Russia.
Marko's life was pretty ordinary except for his polio that messed up his left leg. He had a wonderful farm, a wonderful family, and a wonderful best friend Johan. When the Russians did bomb Virtalinna the air raid alarm didn't go off and tragedy happens. Their grandma and Marko's little siblings go to Sweden to be safe. Marko stayed to help his mother tend the wounded. Marko was asked to join the army as a messenger boy. Skiing from camp to camp delivering messages. Karl, a fellow messenger and Marko soon become friends. The lieutenant says that the cold was on their side because the Finnish knew how to handle Finland's harsh winter and the Russians did not. Marko and Karl go on exiting and scary missions and secrets are shared. The Russians are getting stronger and the Finnish are loosing more and more men. Will they survive and will Karl's secret ruin his dream?
I definitely think you should read this book. I recommend this book for historical fiction books about world war 2. It was awesome!
Marko's life was pretty ordinary except for his polio that messed up his left leg. He had a wonderful farm, a wonderful family, and a wonderful best friend Johan. When the Russians did bomb Virtalinna the air raid alarm didn't go off and tragedy happens. Their grandma and Marko's little siblings go to Sweden to be safe. Marko stayed to help his mother tend the wounded. Marko was asked to join the army as a messenger boy. Skiing from camp to camp delivering messages. Karl, a fellow messenger and Marko soon become friends. The lieutenant says that the cold was on their side because the Finnish knew how to handle Finland's harsh winter and the Russians did not. Marko and Karl go on exiting and scary missions and secrets are shared. The Russians are getting stronger and the Finnish are loosing more and more men. Will they survive and will Karl's secret ruin his dream?
I definitely think you should read this book. I recommend this book for historical fiction books about world war 2. It was awesome!
November 1, 2014
I've discovered that my tolerance for violence has been getting lower and lower. Which made reading The Winter War a struggle, not because Durbin includes vivid descriptions of carnage, but because his brief, blunt descriptions are the kind of thing that stick with you.
The Winter War between Finland and Russia in 1940 is not a topic often taught in schools. It is a complex one -- on the one hand, approximately 300k Finnish soldiers managed to hold off a Russian force 3 times theirs that possessed better weaponry and technology (thanks in part to the good old US of A.) On the other hand, despite "winning" the war (does this count as spoilers? It's history, you can google it...) Finland ends up having to cede over a great deal of land to the USSR.
On the whole, this book would be a great book for young readers. Besides learning about a part of history they're not likely to encounter in class, they get to read about young Marko's musings on the inhumanity of war. And learn to never, ever complain about how cold it is in their house. While Durbin's blunt, no-frills writing style kept me from fully enjoying the book, it's the kind of thing that will definitely appeal to some readers.
The Winter War between Finland and Russia in 1940 is not a topic often taught in schools. It is a complex one -- on the one hand, approximately 300k Finnish soldiers managed to hold off a Russian force 3 times theirs that possessed better weaponry and technology (thanks in part to the good old US of A.) On the other hand, despite "winning" the war (does this count as spoilers? It's history, you can google it...) Finland ends up having to cede over a great deal of land to the USSR.
On the whole, this book would be a great book for young readers. Besides learning about a part of history they're not likely to encounter in class, they get to read about young Marko's musings on the inhumanity of war. And learn to never, ever complain about how cold it is in their house. While Durbin's blunt, no-frills writing style kept me from fully enjoying the book, it's the kind of thing that will definitely appeal to some readers.
February 16, 2017
Good story about a young Finnish boy during the Finnish war against Russia in 1939-40. A must read about a war that gets little attention outside of Finland!
November 17, 2010
Marko is a Finnish boy living through the Winter War between Russia and Finland. Marko is recruited into the army as a messenger because he is an excellent skier. Delivering messages in war is a dangerous job. Everyday Marko learns more about the horrors of war. He watches as people are injured and killed. He also learns secrets about his new friend.
Independence is always worth fighting for is the message in this book. The Finnish people fought for their independence and did not give up even when the odds were against them. The author wants to tell us that freedom is something worth fighting for no matter what the cost.
This book has educated me about the war between Russia and Finland. I was surprised at how the Finnish people did give up fighting even though they didn't have help from any other country. Even though they were so close to losing, they kept fighting and they got what the wanted in the end.
Independence is always worth fighting for is the message in this book. The Finnish people fought for their independence and did not give up even when the odds were against them. The author wants to tell us that freedom is something worth fighting for no matter what the cost.
This book has educated me about the war between Russia and Finland. I was surprised at how the Finnish people did give up fighting even though they didn't have help from any other country. Even though they were so close to losing, they kept fighting and they got what the wanted in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2008
This young adult novel covers a part of WWII that I had not heard much about. The way Durbin writes about Finland's fight against Russia reminds me of fantasy epic novels in that it is a story that seems removed from today's society. The main character has to deal with polio, temperatures so cold they stop a wounded man from bleeding to death, and a semi-recent war that required men to be athletes, rather than just operate machinery.
Winter War is such an interesting story, and it is written extremely well. There are a few somewhat gory parts, as it is a book about war. But I don't think it is graphic enough to bother the average 12-year-old boy. This is a great recommendation for teens who don't normally like historical fiction, or books at all. This book is fast-paced enough to keep just about anybody interested.
Winter War is such an interesting story, and it is written extremely well. There are a few somewhat gory parts, as it is a book about war. But I don't think it is graphic enough to bother the average 12-year-old boy. This is a great recommendation for teens who don't normally like historical fiction, or books at all. This book is fast-paced enough to keep just about anybody interested.
February 1, 2011
So glad I grabbed this one to read. I knew nothing about Finland's brave fight against the Russians during WWII. This book gave me a new look at this war by providing a glimpse of the struggle to defend Finland against invasion, describing how the Finns used their homeland's environment to their advantage. Because it is based on facts, this makes a great read for those kids who love anything WWII. I could hand this book to easily a dozen readers tomorrow morning -- and they would love it.
I also like the inclusion of a handicapped hero -- someone who has the internal discussion about what it is like to have survived polio and fit into a world where survival depends on physical ability.
Kids can be heroes, too.
Definitely on my purchase list.
I also like the inclusion of a handicapped hero -- someone who has the internal discussion about what it is like to have survived polio and fit into a world where survival depends on physical ability.
Kids can be heroes, too.
Definitely on my purchase list.
July 14, 2008
This is an Hisorical Fiction book about the Winter War, the war between Finland and Russia in 1930-40. Michael's grandfather died one hour before the cease fire ended the war. His mother never met him. I read this as a preview for the kids to read to learn more about it. The book itself is a fine kids book---nothing too stellar if there is not a connection. It is pretty gruesome at times, but what war isn't, especially when fighting in sub-zero weather. It is such a great tale of heroics on the Finn's part that I think it would be inspiring for most kids to read. However, it does not pull any punches in it's condemnation of the United States' lack of support.
September 18, 2010
This is a historical fiction book written for young adults. It tells the story of a young Finish boy, Marko, who volunteers to be a messenger during the Winter War with Russia even though he has been handicapped by polio and must wear a leg brace. The night missions, the bombardments that leave their ears ringing are terrifying as are the Finns odds against the Russians. For 105 days, through one of the coldest winters in history, Finland fought the Russian Army. The Finns were out numbered by four-to-one in troops and by a hundred to one in equipment (tanks). The Finns fought a guerilla war that military academics are still studying their techniques
August 28, 2016
This is a good adventure, based upon an extraordinary war. 13-year-old Marko lives on the Finnish-Soviet border, the main battleground of the Winter War of 1939-40. The Finns were heavily outnumbered, but used their familiarity of the extreme conditions to hold off the Soviet attack.
Marko is a Finnish ski messenger. He witnesses some horrific battle scenes, as well as the paralyzing effect of the cold. This book does well to explain the technical problems a snowbound army must face.
I wasn’t as interested in some of the side stories – Marko’s polio, Karl’s secrets – but this novel provides a voice to one of the more heroic episodes of World War II, and that’s reason enough to read.
Marko is a Finnish ski messenger. He witnesses some horrific battle scenes, as well as the paralyzing effect of the cold. This book does well to explain the technical problems a snowbound army must face.
I wasn’t as interested in some of the side stories – Marko’s polio, Karl’s secrets – but this novel provides a voice to one of the more heroic episodes of World War II, and that’s reason enough to read.
November 20, 2014
This book is absolutely outstanding when it comes to a Young Adult literature (yes, I'd classify this as YA). It delivers emotional punches in a way that makes you feel the pain of the characters. There are many shocks and twists that start from the very beginning and don't stop until the last page. This makes you feel the horrors of war like never before. Williams brings his A game in this like never before. I'd really would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book with real substance and heart, or to anyone who is interested in wars. This is also an amazing last stand book. Please check this one out.
December 24, 2016
The novel recounts the day-to-day events of the war between Germany and Russia in Finland. With Finlanders hating the Russians, they fought on the side of the Germans, and the Russians with their military strength just kept killing and killing inspite of the superiority of the Finnish army. This war is told in telling and dramatic detail.
When the Soviet Union invades its tiny neighbor Finland in November 1939, Marko volunteers to help the war effort. Even though his leg was weakened by polio, he can ski well, and he becomes a messenger on the front line, skiing in white camouflage through the forests at nigh
When the Soviet Union invades its tiny neighbor Finland in November 1939, Marko volunteers to help the war effort. Even though his leg was weakened by polio, he can ski well, and he becomes a messenger on the front line, skiing in white camouflage through the forests at nigh
July 11, 2009
This book was on my list of best new books for young adults.
The book is historical fiction, covering the war which began when the USSR invaded Finland in 1939. The point of view is that of a young teenage Finnish boy. The Finns are severely outnumbered, both in numbers of troops and equipment. However, they have strong morale and are better prepared to endure the Finnish winter than the Soviet armies. The book is very well written. I'm not usually a fan of war novels, but this one I enjoyed and I recommend.
Disclaimer: This is a war novel. Parts of it are very violent.
The book is historical fiction, covering the war which began when the USSR invaded Finland in 1939. The point of view is that of a young teenage Finnish boy. The Finns are severely outnumbered, both in numbers of troops and equipment. However, they have strong morale and are better prepared to endure the Finnish winter than the Soviet armies. The book is very well written. I'm not usually a fan of war novels, but this one I enjoyed and I recommend.
Disclaimer: This is a war novel. Parts of it are very violent.
April 5, 2016
This was about the war between Russia & Finland in 1939, just before WW2. I didn't know about any of this conflict until reading this book, so it was very informative and interesting. If I didn't already have so much to do, I would look up more information about this war!
Marko has a lame leg due to polio, but insists on joining the war at the front when given the opportunity. This story although fictionalized describes what was is like (anywhere) but especially in a typical below zero climate. It was very good.
Marko has a lame leg due to polio, but insists on joining the war at the front when given the opportunity. This story although fictionalized describes what was is like (anywhere) but especially in a typical below zero climate. It was very good.
October 7, 2013
No glitzy cover on this book to draw students attention, yet, it is being read. It is the story of two teens who become messengers in the courageous battle the Finns fought to over come the Russian Invasion of 1939. This is a piece of historical fiction that needs to be recommended. When it is being picked up by young people even though its cover is totally discouraging...you know it has special drawing power.
December 5, 2014
I purchased this for my 11 year old grandson who is a voracious reader. He especially likes historical fiction and non-fiction as well as fantasy books. I decided to read it in advance to be sure there was no sex, profanity, etc in it. It was written for young adults, but I totally enjoyed it and learned about a part of WWII that I never learned in history class. Would definitely recommend for mature young adults, old adults and everyone in between.
October 18, 2016
I thought the book had a lot of detail, which means it had a lot of realistic things in it like, people fighting and the planes bombing and crashing. I really liked how the author put a set of characters in the book not knowing what was going on. Another thing that I saw that the author did was not tell us what war was happening or when it was until did later on. I liked it at the end when everything was ok again and a peace treaty was signed.
April 6, 2010
A historical novel about the 1939 Soviet invasion of Finland. After witnessing his best friend's death by Soviet fire, and despite a leg crippled by polio, Marko volunteers to help in the fight. He works as a messenger on the front lines, skiing from camp to camp. Their only hope is that the Russians, who outnumber them, won't be able to survive the harsh winter.
October 4, 2012
I normally don't like to read books about war. I get so bogged down in the details and misery. But this book about the Finnish/Russian war of 1939 was really good. It is a YA book, and the story moved quickly as seen through the eyes of a Finnish teenager. I didn't know beforehand anything about this war and appreciated learning a little bit of history along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews