
Set against the quiet rhythms of a Finnish farmstead, the story follows Uli, a young servant whose days begin in a haze of sleepy mornings and clumsy mistakes. The household’s stern yet caring masters, the farmer and his wife, watch his missteps with a mix of exasperation and hope, hoping the boy will learn the hard‑won lessons of rural life.
As the weeks unfold, simple chores turn into small triumphs—learning to tend the cattle, mastering the farm’s games, and discovering the subtle ways a good word can open a stubborn ear. Through humor and gentle observation, the novel paints a vivid picture of community, duty, and the quiet ambition that drives a servant toward respect and a sense of belonging.
The narrative captures the texture of village customs, the quiet power of perseverance, and the tender moments when kindness reshapes a life. Listeners will find themselves drawn into the modest world where everyday tasks become stepping stones toward a brighter, more confident future for Uli.
Language
fi
Duration
~13 hours (804K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2014-11-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1797–1854
Best known as the Swiss author behind The Black Spider, he wrote vivid stories of village life that mix moral urgency with sharp, memorable detail. His fiction grew out of years spent as a pastor, giving it both warmth and a clear-eyed sense of everyday struggle.
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