
A young farmhand from a remote, moss‑clad valley dreams of the glittering streets of the city, where gold and laughter seem to wait for him. After a chance encounter with a travelling animal dealer, he clutches two real gold coins—tiny treasures that ignite a fierce yearning for a life beyond the endless swamps and solitary cottages of his home.
Spurred by the promise of wealth and the allure of bustling markets, he gathers his meagre savings, packs nothing but determination, and sets out along the lone, winding track that leads toward the distant harbor. The landscape rolls from dark, marshy lowlands to a bright, sun‑kissed horizon, mirroring his growing hope as he imagines the bustling town beyond the water’s edge.
His journey is both a physical trek and a quiet rebellion against the quiet resignation that has marked his upbringing. As he draws nearer to the river’s edge, the boy’s heart pounds with anticipation, ready to confront whatever lies on the other side of the water.
Language
fi
Duration
~4 hours (269K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2012-03-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

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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