
In a quiet Alpine valley, the town of Hall clings to its medieval charm—cobblestone lanes, a towering Gothic church, and ancient stone statues that watch over the snow‑covered streets. The story opens on a bitter winter night, following nine‑year‑old August as he trudges home through drifting snow, a jug of beer pressed to his frozen hands, his mind echoing with the promise of warmth and a beloved pet waiting for him. The vivid description of the town’s stone houses, the towering Muntze Tower, and the lingering hush of the mountains creates a world that feels both timeless and intimate.
August’s journey home becomes a small adventure of courage and perseverance, as he navigates the darkened streets, past the stone sentinel of the guard‑house, and toward the comforting glow of his family’s hearth. Along the way, the tale captures the stark beauty of the Alpine winter and the simple, stubborn hope that sustains a child in hardship, inviting listeners to step into a world where every lantern‑light flicker holds a promise of home.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (103K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Sigal Alon, Fox in the Stars, Irma Spehar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-04-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1839–1908
Best known for vivid, dramatic novels like Under Two Flags and the much-loved children's story A Dog of Flanders, this prolific Victorian writer built an international readership with tales of glamour, feeling, and sharp social criticism.
View all books