Of Warfare and Symphonies
An unlikely mixing of military adventure, classical music and paganism. This work of fiction, written by the man who wrote 'A Frozen Hell,' about the Finnish-Russian Winter War, shows his in-depth research and his love for the Finns.
I loved the military aspect, especially his descriptions of the training of the ski-clad commandos, who are the genesis of the sport of biathlon. I also learned how the Finns ended up fighting against both Russians and Germans, and still remaining an independent nation at the end of it all.
I also learned about the Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius, who I hadn't realized was alive until 1957. There was very descriptive prose regarding symphonies and conducting orchestras, which, like wine-tasting, is a little over my head, but I learned a few things in spite of myself.
The disappointing aspect of the book was its' surreal paganism. Finns love nature, it's true, but that doesn't mean we worship it.
