Finland's Dawn: A Nation Awakens to a New Future

Political Journeys and the Voyage of the John Grafton

When Leonid Ratayev, agent of the Okhrana Russian Secret Police, described the Finns as “this nation of stubborn yokels,” he probably echoed the sentiments of many Russian Officials responsible for governing the Grand Duchy of Finland at the beginning of the 20th Century. It also grossly underestimated the group of Finnish intellectual activists known as “The Kagal” whose determination, resourcefulness and vision was to make them formidable opponents.

Striving to secure Finland’s right to self-determination and independence as a Nation State, the Kagal forged a unique strategic approach to its struggle with the Russian Empire, based on a policy of Civil Disobedience and Passive Resistance.

However, for such people as Konni Zilliacus, John Nylander and other like-minded Finns, patience was running thin with its slow progress. Employing their international networks and using Japanese funding, they conceived of ever bolder plans and their activities became increasingly more audacious.

Based on true events and historical characters, this historical novel is an account of their political journey and the story of the John Grafton; a ship whose voyage full of incidents made its name notorious around the world.

Not for the last time, Finland became the “David” to Russia’s “Goliath”.