An Evening with

Finnish Studies

Guest Lecture:

The Stories Behind the Story

In 1944, sixteen-year-old Aarne Kovala, a Finnish merchant marine was arrested by the Nazis along with the crews of the Wappu, Ellen, Mercator and Bore VI. The sailors were imprisoned in Stutthof Concentration Camp, the first camp built outside of Germany and the last to be liberated. After almost seventy years of near silence, Aarne told his heart-wrenching story to his daughter, Liisa Kovala. The result was a tale of hope, survival and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit. The author will share her experiences writing the memoir and the importance of sharing family stories before they disappear.

The Day Soon Dawns was originally self-published in 2015. Aarne’s story will be rereleased in Spring 2017 by Latitude 46 Publishing.

Liisa Kovala is a Finnish-Canadian teacher and writer living in Sudbury. She is interested in all things Finnish. Her writing has been inspired by her father, mother and Finnish-Canadian history.

Free Admission!

Reception with light snacks follows. Everyone welcome!

RSVP by November 14 via email or phone.

This event is presented by the Finnish Studies Program at the University of Toronto, Canadian Friends of Finland & Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation.

Donations go to the Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation in support of The Finnish Studies Program at the University of Toronto.

Please consider supporting Finnish Studies by donating to CFFEF.