This sophomore effort is comparable to sagas (Ken Follet, Alex Haley, or even Leo Tolstoy), but the novel blurb is all Matterhorn. This is probably because this family study just isn't as good as his first book.

The descriptions of the land are lush, even though the distances seem a little too compressed. There are moments of action in this sweeping drama that are well done. It also feels historically accurate. My favorite aspect is comparing the Red/White struggles of Finland to the IWW's fight against the colluding capitalist barons of the early logging, milling and canning industries. A lot of US history of labor relations works into this story, along with prejudice against (and between) immigrants.

An authors note explains why the characters are named for the Kalevala, and some may have actions resembling their counterparts. Aino is a strong female character, but is not generally well written. This is unfortunate because a lot of the story is from her viewpoint. The male characters generally come off better here, and the authors first novel didn't have many women. Improving this would have added a lot to the story.

I haven't read other big family stories, though some are on my list to-read. My goal was to read this before a trip to Finland; I ended up finishing it in Helsinki. This story rates a good, not great - 3 stars.