The White Sniper: Simo Häyhä

Written by Tapio Saarelainen

Narrated by Nigel Patterson

Simo Häyhä (1905-2002) is the most famous sniper in the world. During the Winter War fought between Russia and Finland in 1939-1940 he had 542 confirmed kills with iron sights, a record that still stands today. He has been a role model for snipers all over the world.

Simo Häyhä was a man of action who spoke very little, but he was respected by his men and his superiors and given many difficult missions, including taking out specific targets. Able to move silently and swiftly through the landscape, melting into the snowbound surroundings in his white camouflage fatigues, his aim was deadly and his quarry rarely escaped. The Russians learned of his reputation as a marksman and tried several times to kill him by indirect fire. He was promoted from corporal to second lieutenant and he was awarded the Cross of Kollaa.

After the war Simo Häyhä lead a quiet, unassuming life in farming and forestry. His roots were deep in the Finnish soil, and he loved life in rural Finland. A true patriot, he epitomized the traits of a professional soldier, performing his duty and setting an example of bravery that personified the Finnish spirit when confronted by the Russian onslaught. The White Sniper fully explores Simo Häyhä's life, his exploits in the Winter War, and the secrets behind his success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Nov 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781541432321

Reviews for The White Sniper

[Christopher Ditcher · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is the most boring book I have ever listened to.

[Cheri · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very thorough review of a remarkable man, plus additional information about the technical aspects of being a sniper and ... a little history of the Finnish winter war. If it drags anywhere in terms of storytelling, it's because it is also serving as a reference. I appreciate that someone put the effort into gathering this info for posterity even if I don't intend to become either a sniper or an expert in Finnish history. If you take the time to imagine all that Simo accomplished and experienced in such a short time, it's almost as remarkable that he did not lose his equanimity or intrinsic nature for the remainder of his long, productive life. Not many come out of something like that without signs of emotional corrosion or hardening. A Finnish hero! Well worth the listen!

[Tyler Butler · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Don't waste your valuable time.
Very slow start. It reads as monotonous as a school textbook. The amount of information of Simo, could have been conveyed in 20 minutes.
I'm not one to write negative reviews on another man's writing, but this wasn't good at all. Spent 80% of the time talking about everything, except what you wanted to hear about; the protagonist.
You'd be better off reading an article about him on Wikipedia, and saving 7 hours of your life.
Do not recommend, in the slightest.

[Benjamin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a shame this book is so short. Such an excellent narrative, technical and informative in the best Finnish way