jjares reviewed on 6/21/2020 + 3296 more book reviews

This is one of the more interesting Captivating History 'wars' that I've read lately because it is a balanced story of the lead-up to, war, and then the aftermath of the Winter War. It is very interesting to read about a small country (with about 3 million farmer-soldiers) facing a behemoth (USSR) predatory power and being able to hold their own.

This was a fairly short war and the author(s) explained clearly the cultural and political backdrop of this conflict. As Americans, we are blessed to be separate from predatory powers, but Finland is truly 'between a rock and a hard place' -- by having Russia and Germany so close. It is fascinating that Russia would go to war in the winter (I thought European powers avoided wars during winter) and that the Finns would be able to use their vast forests and snow to such good effect. The photos of the conflict added to my understanding of how competently the Finns could conduct a war in white suits.

This is one of those interesting snippets of history that Captivating History brings to its readers. Because the Winter War was between the larger conflicts of WW I and II, little is remembered about this clash. Thanks for this engrossing reminder. I read it in a single sitting because it was so 'captivating.'

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