Kotimaa: Homeland

by Mark Munger

Immigrant Anders Alhomäki, introduced to readers in Munger's best selling novel Suomalaiset, returns in this prequel. Why did Anders leave his homeland? What dreams motivated him to journey from Finland to sub-Arctic Norway, northern Michigan, and the Vermillion Iron Range of Minnesota? How is Anders's story tied to that of a cold blooded assassin stalking a Finnish politician in modern day Finland? Don't miss this epic ride from the 1890s to Finland's Centennial Independence Day!

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

About the author

Mark Munger is a life-long resident of Northeastern Minnesota. Mark, his wife Rene', and one of their four sons live on the banks of the wild and scenic Cloquet River north of Duluth. When not writing fiction, Mark enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing, and working as a District Court Judge.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel Kotimaa is the third and final of Munger’s Suomalaiset trilogy about Finnish immigrants to northeastern Minnesota. Each book in the series is a stand-alone; a reader can start with any of them. I read the middle one, Sukulaiset, before the first and reviewed it on Goodreads - if you are like me you will be drawn into the story. Kotimaa completes the saga (this novel interweaves with the first two) and again brings the reader into what is the real foundation (people living their lives against the backdrop of history and politics) of this important piece of Munger’s work. It is well-researched and crafted, as are all of Munger’s books, a read that engages and educates the reader. Highly recommend. In any order.

[Polly John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had the pleasure of "pre-reading" this third book in Munger's triology about Finnish people, I was especially delighted with the final product. Mr. Munger's in-depth knowledge about the people who make up half of my heritage is amazing....he not being of the same descent. I truly enjoyed this final episode in the lives of people I feel I've known for a long time. The history and intertwining of the lives of the Alhomaki family, the Gustafsons and the other characters in this novel bring a satisfying closing to the triology.

Munger also brings current events and the politics of our day into the picture, giving a newness to the story. The back and forth of past and present brought a slight challenge to my personal absorption of the novel, but it made me concentrate on the beauty and tragedy of lives that intertwine over generations. Kiitos to Mark Munger for another successful venture into the lives of the Finns :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific historical novel. I loved the intertwined plots. I would have loved the novel to be even longer!