I hadn't read the original Tuntematon sotilas, so when Sotaromaani came out, I decided to go for it, deciding it would be truer to the author's vision.

That might well be, but since this version has the differences compared to the edited (some of the marketing people like to say "censored") version, it also shows the shortcomings of the author.

Truth is, Tuntematon sotilas is an excellent book. The changes that were made when it was originally published are small and generally positive; where Sotaromaani shows the unedited parts, they mostly reveal trivial changes, and in some cases hindsighted criticism bordering on bitterness. Sotaromaani is a proof that even a master benefits from a good editor.

Having said that, the book itself is definitely worth reading. Whether you pick up Sotaromaani or Tuntematon sotilas, you won't be disappointed.