Paavolan kauhu: eli Rikkaus ja rakkaus

Nestled on the sun‑drenched banks of the shimmering R‑lake, Paavola stands as a picture‑perfect manor surrounded by birch groves, swaying reeds and distant islands that seem to float like flower bouquets. The estate has long been the home of a prosperous, well‑liked couple whose hospitality and immaculate household set a high standard for the whole district. Not far away, on a modest rise, the crumbling torppa of Mikko and his family offers a stark contrast—a humble dwelling where hard work and simple faith sustain a poorer way of life.

The story opens on a bright August Sunday, when both families gather for a baptism that unites the rich and the needy under the church’s ringing bells. The arrival of newborn Lyyli and little Johannes brings a moment of shared joy, while the surrounding villagers, clergy, and landowners mingle in celebration. Yet beneath the festive atmosphere, an uneasy tension lingers, hinting that the serenity of Paavola may soon be challenged by forces far darker than any ordinary hardship. Listeners are invited to follow this delicate balance of love, wealth, and the shadows that loom over the tranquil countryside.