“Escaping Stalin” book tour in the Baltics in Autumn 2025
The recently published book “Escaping Stalin” by historian Brian Traantoft Rasmussen and journalist Thomas Græsbøll Svaneborg, brings forward the – so far – untold story of thousands of people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania who fled across the Baltic Sea by the end of World War II and found temporary refuge in Denmark while their homelands were occupied by the Soviet Union.
Based on intensive research, interviews with refugees and descendants, letters and diaries, the book sheds light on the experience of being a refugee – of loss, hope, courage and sense of belonging.
“We are grateful that the book now will reach a Baltic audience. We look forward to meeting readers who share our interest in the fate of those who fled the Baltics after World War II, and hope these encounters can help us deepen our understanding of what it means to be a refugee” – the authors.
The refugees’ stories recall the fear of a dominant power from the East and the threat of freedom being taken away again. Culture forms a vital part of the infrastructure of democracy and serves as a crucial defense for the community in Europe. It strengthens our resilience and provides the foundation for a strong commitment to democracy, freedom, and cultural identity.
By bringing the stories back to the Baltics, as part of the Danish EU Presidency 2025, we aim to highlight the close ties between Denmark and the Baltic countries and to show how cultural exchange continues to reinforce understanding, solidarity, and democratic values. We look forward to in close cooperation with local partners bringing the authors on a tour through Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
Programme
Oct. 15: Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, Tallinn
Oct. 16: National Museum of Lithuania Castellan’s House, Vilnius
Oct. 17: Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius
Oct. 17: President Valdas Adamkus Library, Kaunas
Nov. 19: Occupation Museum of Latvia, Riga
“Escaping Stalin” was released the 10th of April 2025 in Denmark and has been well received by the Danish public and critics. As the book is not yet translated in full length, we have – by authorization of the authors and publisher – been able to provide Baltic readers with excerpts from the book which can be found here:
Photos:
Baltic refugees at the main railway station in Copenhagen, photographer Kurt Nielsen, Ritzau Scanpix.
Procession in Western Jutland in Lithuanian national costumes 1945-1946, private archive of Livija Klans-Kovale.