Source: The Unknown Soldier, P. 58.
Quotes from book
The Unknown Soldier
Väinö Linna
Original title
Tuntematon sotilas
(Finnish, 1954)
The Unknown Soldier or Unknown Soldiers is a war novel by Finnish author Väinö Linna, considered his magnum opus. Published in 1954, The Unknown Soldier chronicles the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union during 1941–1944 from the viewpoint of ordinary Finnish soldiers. In 2000, the manuscript version of the novel was published with the title Sotaromaani and in 2015, the latest English translation as Unknown Soldiers. A fictional account based closely on Linna's own experiences during the war, the novel presented a more realistic outlook on the formerly romanticized image of a noble and obedient Finnish soldier. Linna gave his characters independent and critical thoughts as well as displayed them with humane feelings, such as fear and rebellion.
Rokka preparing to ambush a Soviet unit, p. 277.
The Unknown Soldier
Major Sarastie to Rokka during a disciplinary hearing, p. 356.
The Unknown Soldier
The narrator introducing the characters of the novel, p. 2.
The Unknown Soldier
“Jorma Kariluoto had paid his dues into the common pot of human idiocy.”
The narrator after Kariluoto's death, p. 412.
The Unknown Soldier
Vanhala, the eternal comedian, summarizing the war after it ends, p. 466.
The Unknown Soldier
“Once Koskela saw that the guns were ready to go, he called out, 'Shoot for their nuts!”
Source: The Unknown Soldier, P. 56.
Opening words, p. 1.
The Unknown Soldier
Closing words, p. 466.
The Unknown Soldier
“Koskela the Finn. Eats iron and shits chains.”
Koskela introducing himself while intoxicated, p. 298.
The Unknown Soldier
“Are you motherfuckers deaf? Shoot here … down here … follow my voice … my gun … aaahh …”
An ambushed and dying Lehto criticising the enemy for lack of accuracy, p. 194.
The Unknown Soldier
