
In a bleak winter where the snow has turned to hard, unforgiving ice, a humble household struggles to keep warm and fed. The father lies ill in bed while his wife clings to faith, recalling stories of miraculous riches that seem forever out of reach. Their children, especially the restless boy who dreams of the sea, bring moments of light and laughter amid the relentless cold.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of rural hardship, the crackle of a meager fire, and the quiet desperation of a family waiting for a sign of relief. As neighbors drift in and out, sharing bread and sorrow, the story explores how hope and prayer become both comfort and burden when survival hangs by a thread. Listeners will be drawn into the raw emotions of a community bound by poverty, resilience, and the uneasy promise of a better tomorrow.
Language
fi
Duration
~6 hours (372K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-10-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1862–1925
A key voice in Finnish realism, known for warm, vivid stories about ordinary people and especially children in Oulu. His work mixes humor, sharp observation, and sympathy for everyday life.
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