Families, Separation and Emotional Coping in War: Bridging Letters between Home and Front, 1941–44

Abstract

Drawing on wartime letters between five Finnish soldiers and their families, this chapter investigates the connection and communication between the absent soldier and his family during the Continuation War 1941-44. The chapter examines the role of personal correspondence in trying to maintain the relationship between family members during the long-term separation. It departs from the assumption that the regular exchange of letters lessened the risk of alienation from the family and contributed to bridging the spatial and experiential gap between the front and home. The correspondents were in daily or at least weekly contact, which suggests the great importance of regularly keeping in touch with loved ones. Letter writing therefore led to family ties often remaining strong during the wartime separation. The chapter discusses what strategies the writers employed in their efforts to maintain their mutual lives and in trying to overcome the strains of war. Keywords:Continuation War 1941-44; Finnish soldiers; home; war front; wartime letters