
Sointula
An Island Utopia
Paula Wild(Author)
Harbour Publishing
Will be published approx. on 6. December 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-55017-456-4 (ISBN)
Description
Sointula - it means "harmony" - is a tiny community on Malcolm Island, a short ferry ride from northern Vancouver Island. It was founded at the turn of the century by the Kalevan Kansa Society, a group of Finnish utopians, and Matti Kurikka, their charismatic but impractical leader. Despite serious setbacks, including a disastrous fire in 1903 that killed eleven people, the Finns built a thriving community. Even after the Kalevan Kansa ended, locals were blackballed all along the coast for their fervour in organizing loggers' and fishermen's unions. A fresh wave of utopians arrived in Sointula in the 1960s, and while they were shunned by many residents, some of the older generation recognized in the "hippies" the hopes and dreams of their forefathers.
Paula Wild lived in Sointula for many years. In researching her book, she talked to more than forty residents and translated innumerable Finnish documents and letters.
Paula Wild lived in Sointula for many years. In researching her book, she talked to more than forty residents and translated innumerable Finnish documents and letters.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
British Columbia
Canada
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
100 photos
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 153 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
630 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-55017-456-4 (9781550174564)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Paula Wild has written for British Columbia Magazine, Reader's Digest, the Vancouver Sun, Mariner Life and the Victoria Times-Colonist. She was awarded the BC Historical Federation Certificate of Merit in 1996 for her book Sointula: Island Utopia. She lives in Courtenay, BC.
Content
Introduction: Looking For a Better Life
Chapter 1: Mink Builds a Mountain
Chapter 2: The Kalevala
Chapter 3: An Impractical Faddist
Chapter 4: To Build a New Finland
Chapter 5: Steady and Level-headed
Chapter 6: Shoemakers and Tailors
Chapter 7: Slander and Dark Speculations
Chapter 8: Sisu
Chapter 9: Free Love and the Bridge Fiasco
Chapter 10: The Lesson of Sointula
Chapter 11: The Hard Part of Life
Chapter 12: Apostles of Socialism
Chapter 13: No Churches No Troubles
Chapter 14: Everybody Knew Everybody
Chapter 15: Back to the Land
Chapter 16: The Paradox of Change
Appendices
Sources
Index
Chapter 1: Mink Builds a Mountain
Chapter 2: The Kalevala
Chapter 3: An Impractical Faddist
Chapter 4: To Build a New Finland
Chapter 5: Steady and Level-headed
Chapter 6: Shoemakers and Tailors
Chapter 7: Slander and Dark Speculations
Chapter 8: Sisu
Chapter 9: Free Love and the Bridge Fiasco
Chapter 10: The Lesson of Sointula
Chapter 11: The Hard Part of Life
Chapter 12: Apostles of Socialism
Chapter 13: No Churches No Troubles
Chapter 14: Everybody Knew Everybody
Chapter 15: Back to the Land
Chapter 16: The Paradox of Change
Appendices
Sources
Index