
A tranquil valley tucked between the sun‑kissed hills of the French Riviera opens the story, where fragrant orange trees and jasmine perfume the air and the sea’s murmur seems a distant lullaby. The town of Hyéres is painted as a slice of paradise, a place where the harsh winters of the north never reach and the heat of summer is softened by gentle breezes that sweep away lingering mists. Yet beneath this bucolic veneer, the narrative hints that even such a haven cannot escape the shadows that follow human hearts.
Within a modest stone‑and‑wood cottage, an elderly silver‑haired man watches over his grandchildren as they play under lemon‑laden branches. His daughter‑in‑law Sabina, though surrounded by health and laughter, carries a quiet sorrow, burdened by a husband whose relentless toil and volatile temper leave the family strained. Their everyday struggles and the clash between duty, love, and personal longing set the stage for a tale that explores how even in the most beautiful settings, inner conflicts shape lives.
Language
fi
Duration
~58 minutes (56K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-06-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1771–1848
A lively German-born writer and reformer who built much of his life in Switzerland, he mixed storytelling with a strong interest in public life. His books, histories, and popular tales made him a widely read voice in the early 19th century.
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