
A quiet morning on the lake turns into a comic clash of personalities as the aging Roland, once a Parisian goldsmith, tries his luck at fishing with his two adult sons, Pietari and Juhani, and the charming neighbor, Rosemilly. The men’s modest catch sparks playful banter, while Roland’s lingering love for the sport hints at a restless spirit that left behind a life of craftsmanship for the open water.
Behind the light‑hearted chatter, the brothers are subtly at odds. Pietari, the elder, has flitted between several professions before settling on medicine, whereas Juhani, the younger, has abandoned his studies for a more carefree path. Their rivalry intensifies as both seek Rosemilly’s favor, each hoping to secure a brighter future through her modest fortune.
The mother, ever the peacemaker, watches the budding competition with a mixture of hope and concern, aware that the brothers’ rivalry could either forge stronger bonds or drive a wedge between them. The story unfolds with humor, family dynamics, and the quiet tension of unspoken ambitions.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (101K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2014-02-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1850–1893
Best known for sharp, unsettling stories like "Boule de Suif" and "The Necklace," this French master of the short story had a gift for turning everyday life into something surprising, ironic, or quietly haunting. His writing is clear, vivid, and still feels strikingly modern.
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