The White Sniper

Simo Häyhä

By: Tapio Saarelainen

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Simo Häyhä (1905-2002) is the most famous sniper in the world. During the Winter War fought between Russia and Finland in 1939-1940 he had 542 confirmed kills with iron sights, a record that still stands today. He has been a role model for snipers all over the world.

Simo Häyhä was a man of action who spoke very little, but he was respected by his men and his superiors and given many difficult missions, including taking out specific targets. Able to move silently and swiftly through the landscape, melting into the snowbound surroundings in his white camouflage fatigues, his aim was deadly and his quarry rarely escaped. The Russians learned of his reputation as a marksman and tried several times to kill him by indirect fire. He was promoted from corporal to second lieutenant and he was awarded the Cross of Kollaa.

After the war Simo Häyhä lead a quiet, unassuming life in farming and forestry. His roots were deep in the Finnish soil, and he loved life in rural Finland. A true patriot, he epitomized the traits of a professional soldier, performing his duty and setting an example of bravery that personified the Finnish spirit when confronted by the Russian onslaught. The White Sniper fully explores Simo Häyhä's life, his exploits in the Winter War, and the secrets behind his success.

©2016 Tapio A.M. Saarelainen (P)2019 Tantor

A fascinating real life story

I’ve listened to this book a few times now I liked it so much. If you want to hear the almost unbelievable yet true story of a man simply and humbly overcoming insurmountable tasks, this is for you. There is also a decent amount talking about marksmanship and the craft of snipers concerning the things they have to consider. It’s really fascinating and definitely opened my eyes to a few things I had no idea about. This book also goes into detail about the rifle Simo used in his journey to becoming the most deadly sniper in recorded history. Plus this book gives a great history lesson too! Very well narrated.

Story of an amazing man's achievements

Read this book to understand how history repeats itself. We are watching how Russia invades neighbors in the news and how snipers have evolved taking lessons from this humble man defending his homeland.

Packed with information

So dense with information and facts the stories can get a bit lost. I would have loved to hear a more detailed encounter from the subject but I suppose he was a reserved person.

Good story, bad writer

It is a great story of a great man who did an amazing service for his country. He was very humble about it. The writer is very arrogant about his own non-existent writing skills. He blamed the Biographe for not being more open about his questions. He also calls him a lier for avoiding uncertain information.

Great book that seems to be fact based on talking to him

This book was a great read and was very fact based. Glad to see he interviewed him as much as possible.