Biography Reveals Helvi Hämäläinen's Contradictions: From Hitler Admirer to Stalin Supporter

A new biography by Minna Maijala delves into the life of Finnish writer Helvi Hämäläinen, examining the stark contradictions in her political and personal beliefs. The book seeks to understand the reasons behind Hämäläinen's dramatic shifts in ideology throughout her life, presenting a complex portrait of the author.

One of the most striking aspects highlighted in the biography is Hämäläinen's evolving political allegiances. In July 1941, amidst World War II, she wrote to her colleague and lover, Olavi Paavolainen, expressing fervent admiration for Adolf Hitler. Her letter described him as a figure who conquered "all great difficulties," reflecting a perspective aligned with certain wartime sentiments.

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I love Hitler, like all conquerors of great difficulties.

However, Hämäläinen's ideological stance underwent a significant transformation in the subsequent decade. By the early 1950s, her admiration had shifted dramatically towards Joseph Stalin. In an interview with the communist newspaper Työkansan Sanomat, she lauded Stalin, referring to him as a "great servant of the people" and contemplating him in that role. This stark contrast in her public statements reveals a profound and puzzling evolution in her political views.

Maijala's biography meticulously traces these shifts, exploring the personal and historical contexts that may have influenced Hämäläinen's changing perspectives. The work aims to shed light on the complexities of her life and the motivations behind her seemingly contradictory public declarations, offering readers a deeper understanding of this influential Finnish writer.

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Stalin loved people. I think of him as a great servant of the people.