Finland's War of Choice: The Troubled German-Finnish Coalition in World War II Hardcover – March 8, 2011

Finland's segue from its defensive war against the Soviet Union in 1939–1940 to its offensive coalition with Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944 remains one of the neglected aspects of WWII historiography. Lunde, an established scholar of the Scandinavian theater, demonstrates that Finland chose its path deliberately. The government was by no means unaware of the nature and objectives of National Socialism. Nor did Finland fight a "separate war" to safeguard its own security from Germany. It sought the recovery of territory lost in the Winter War and possession of Soviet Eastern Karelia. Germany's failure to negotiate war aims and command relationships gave Finland opportunity to pursue its own objectives. Germany's commitment of limited forces guaranteed a compartmentalized campaign that achieved limited results and left the troubled coalition vulnerable to the Soviets' 1944 counteroffensive. Despite linguistic limitations impelling reliance on German sources, Lunde offers a solid operational analysis, stressing the Red Army's developing ability to wage high-tech war under arctic conditions. He ascribes Soviet willingness to conclude a compromise peace as reflecting respect for Finnish fighting power. And he successfully demonstrates that dining with the Nazi devil required a longer spoon than Finland possessed. (Apr.)
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“…likely to be the definitive book on the subject for years to come.” (Miniature Wargaming)

“…offers a solid operational analysis....successfully demonstrates that dining with the Nazi devil required a longer spoon that Finland possessed. (Publisher's Weekly)

“…likely to be the best book on the diplomatic and military aspects of the conflict published in English for many years…Finland's War of Choice receives a very high recommendation, and it looks like a strong candidate to be named as one of the best new books of the year.” (Stone & Stone Second World War Books)

“…a fascinating book…rises above just being a basic history of what was in reality a strategic backwater …” (wargamer.com)

“…still a touchy subject, Finland was a democratic state allied with the Axis. The subject is tackled frankly and well from political views on all sides…a good read…” (Wargames Soldiers and Strategy)

“An under-examined corner of the Eastern Front: united only by their shared Soviet enemy, this coalition’s lack of planning and ill-defined objectives meant the Germans stranded an army and the Finns sued for a separate peace.” (World War II magazine)

“…enormously informative…certainly one for the military and political historian and a serious work of scholarship (Military Modelcraft)

“…a real must for English-only readers interested of Nordic WWII history.” (Lars Gyllenhaal ,blogging about wars from a Nordic angle)

“…a very interesting and well-written account.” (Windscreen Winter 2011)

“… a well written, well researched book. It should be part of any World War II students library and is must reading for any student of 20th century European history. It is well done.” (Kepler’s Military History)

“…we are used to books that highlight the strains within the Allied Coalition during the war, but Lunde makes clear things were much worse on the other side…Like the author’s previous work on the Norwegian campaign, this is likely to become the definitive book on the subject…” (Miniature Wargames)

“…a highly detailed operational history …a fascinating look at the Continuation War and Finland’s alliance with the Third Reich.” (Kunikov’s Reviews)

“…excellent coverage of otherwise obscure operations near and even above the arctic circle, with word portraits of many commanders and a good many desperate fights, culminating in the brief Finno – German War after the collapse of the alliance. A valuable read for anyone interested in WWII in Europe.” (NYMAS Review)

"The German-Finnish alliance is a bit of a historical curiosity. Only one democratic country―Finland―allied itself with Nazi Germany. . . . Lunde argues that the alliance really was quite strange and in ways that mattered. . . . The theory, in other words, is that a well-managed alliance between Finland and Germany could have produced victory on the Eastern Front. It's a fascinating argument . . ." (Think Progress)

“This is a fascinating look at an important but little known area of fighting during the Second World War. Lunde has produced an excellent history of the crucial fighting in the north, the often confused political and diplomatic background and the troubled relationship between the Finns and their German allies. (History of War)

This was a fascinating book, and even for a non-historian, will serve to enlighten the reader about an era of history that can be very confusing. It describes people realistically, and does not create a “good guy-bad guy” situation, although this is quite an achievement, considering some of the people involved, especially on the Soviet and German sides. This is definitely a “must-read” for anyone interested in World War II in Europe. Don’t miss out on it, as it is very reasonably priced, and well produced. Highly recommended (IPMS)