For those who explore family history, the stories of our ancestors often intersect with the broader sweep of national and global events. Independence, by Leena Telén, is a poignant example of how personal histories and national struggles are deeply connected. This compelling narrative traces three generations of Finnish women—Leena’s grandmother Aino, her mother Salme, and Leena herself—across the backdrop of a turbulent Finland, particularly during the 1918 civil war and its aftermath.
Finland’s civil war in 1918 was a defining moment in the nation’s history. Born out of the chaos of World War I and the Russian Revolution, Finland was torn apart by internal conflict as the Red Guards, backed by socialist factions, fought against the White Guards, supported by conservative forces. The war left deep scars across the country, and many families found themselves divided, much like the Telén family.
Aino, Leena’s grandmother, was just 19 years old when she was imprisoned during the civil war for the simple act of feeding Red soldiers, an act that could have cost her life. Like many other families, these experiences were rarely spoken about and left a lasting legacy of silence and resilience. Aino’s story, passed down to her daughter Salme, reveals the hidden struggles of Finnish women during this period, a perspective often overlooked in the history books.
Salme’s story, in turn, reflects the emotional battles fought on the home front. She married a charismatic but controlling athlete, a relationship that eventually unraveled, leading to a painful divorce. Her daughter, Leena, sought her own independence, defying expectations by leaving behind a promising swimming career and eventually finding her way into film and television.
What stands out in Independence is the way Leena Telén connects these personal stories with the broader historical context. Her family’s experience is part of a much larger narrative of Finnish resilience—both during the civil war and in the decades that followed. As Finland rebuilt itself, families like the Teléns quietly carried forward stories of survival, love, and the constant search for freedom.
For genealogists and history enthusiasts, Independence offers a rare glimpse into how the personal can reveal the larger struggles of a nation. It reminds us that even in the midst of political turmoil, the experiences of everyday people, particularly women, often go untold, yet they form the backbone of family histories.
By piecing together family letters, photographs, and archived film footage, Leena has crafted not just a memoir, but a tribute to the resilience of her ancestors and their journey through some of the darkest periods of Finnish history. For anyone interested in how history lives on in family stories, Independence provides both a personal and historical lens on the struggles that shaped modern Finland.
Image Source:
- Three Finnish Women: Troubador Publishing
