40 kuukautta Neuvosto-Venäjällä

by Heikki Välisalmi

"40 kuukautta Neuvosto-Venäjällä" by Heikki Välisalmi is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a personal reflection on the author's experiences during a tumultuous period in Soviet Russia, likely focusing on the early years of the Bolshevik regime after the 1917 revolution. Välisalmi's work is expected to offer insights into the social and political atmosphere of Russia during these transformative years, detailing the changes brought about by the rise of communism and the struggles that followed. The opening of the book introduces the setting of St. Petersburg in early 1918, capturing a vibrant city still reeling from the aftermath of the Bolshevik revolution. Välisalmi describes the stark contrasts visible in the streets, where remnants of old aristocracy collide with the newly liberated Jewish population, while the presence of soldiers has changed dramatically since the Tsar's reign. The narrative highlights the chaotic social conditions, with soldiers, former officers, and the rising tide of crime, as well as the distinct influences of the emerging Bolshevik power and the disarray within the military and society as a whole. The author sets up a picture of a city in transition, where the complexities of human experiences during this upheaval are ready to be explored further in the ensuing chapters.