
Set in a bustling 19th‑century Finnish port, the story follows Jaakko Worse, a seasoned ship’s captain returning from distant voyages. As his vessel, the modest but reliable “Perheen Toivo,” slips into the familiar inlet, the local consul, the town’s merchants, and the aging shipyard staff watch anxiously, each hoping the arrival will revive their fading fortunes. The narrative captures the crisp northern wind, the creak of timber hulls, and the quiet pride of a man who has spent a lifetime mastering the sea.
Yet the homecoming is tinged with tension: family members are scattered abroad, old grievances linger, and the town’s leadership debates whether the old ship can still compete with newer, sleeker vessels. Worse must navigate not only the harbor’s currents but also the expectations of a community that clings to memories of past glory. Listeners are drawn into his struggle to balance duty, personal legacy, and the shifting tides of progress.
Language
fi
Duration
~5 hours (307K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-12-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1849–1906
A sharp-eyed Norwegian novelist and dramatist, he used realism and satire to challenge social hypocrisy in the late 19th century. His stories often mix wit, moral seriousness, and a clear sympathy for people trapped by convention.
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