This book is an exemplary piece of traditional political history, by an emeritus professor in that field, based on meticulous archival work and a deep understanding of nuances in foreign languages.Saara Matala, Russian Review
How Finland Survived Stalin is an engaging study for the general reader but will also interest Rentolas fellow scholars, largely due to the authors language skills.James Rodgers, History Today
This is a pioneering work on Soviet-Finnish relations in the critical period between the Winter War and the death of Stalin. Using archives around the world, Rentola explores in stunning detail the complex story of Finnish survival.Norman M. Naimark, author of Stalin and the Fate of Europe
There is no other book like this one. Rentola treats Stalin as a serious strategist and demonstrates how pragmatic, flexible and ruthless he could be.Ronald Grigor Suny, author of Stalin: Passage to Revolution
No one is better equipped than Kimmo Rentola to tell the extraordinary story of Finlands relations with Stalin and the Soviets. His penetrating insight, flawless judgement and matchless command of Finnish and Russian sources have produced a masterpiece.Geoffrey Roberts, author of Stalins Library
A masterfully-written and elegant work. Rentolas precise and compact narration deepens and widens the understanding of Finlands fateful years.Lauri Jäntti Prize Jury