Sukulaiset: The Kindred

by Mark Munger

A sequel to Suomalaiset: People of the Marsh

458 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2014

About the author

Mark Munger is a life-long resident of Northeastern Minnesota. Mark, his wife Rene', and one of their four sons live on the banks of the wild and scenic Cloquet River north of Duluth. When not writing fiction, Mark enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing, and working as a District Court Judge.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sukulaiset: The Kindred" is the sequel to Munger's "Suomalaiset: People of the Marsh" which is a historical novel about Finnish immigration to the United States and Canada. At the book launch for Sukulaiset I was so taken by the reading of excerpts that I followed along in my newly-purchased copy, skimming the book and deciding that I just had to read this one first. Sukulaiset is a fictionalized account of the reverse migration from the Lake Superior area to Karelia (in the Soviet Republic) during the depression (there is more to the story, and the very readable historical backdrop is solidly researched). I became wrapped up in the story of the characters who, although fictional, seemed very familiar to this woman of the north (myself)with its storyline of northern European immigrants, the labor movement, the hardships experienced by Finns in this region as well as in the Soviet Union. I had read and heard about this time in history, but the novel made it so much more real and human. I look forward to reading Suomalaiset, which I also bought at the launch (may I also say here how much I enjoyed the Finnish music at the launch; would love to buy a recording to play as I read .... ) --- I don't think it is necessary to read these in order but I will probably reread Sukulaiset when I have finished the earlier book. For fun.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much! Easy to read history lesson. Thank you!

[Dennis Gerwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story ... memorable characters ... well researched historical novel. Highly recommended!

[Richard Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Historical fiction. 1930's thru 1940's Finland and Estonia.Munger is a great story teller. Recommend reading Suomilaiset first but this novel is a stand alone.