
A vivid portrait opens the tale, introducing Untuvainen—a shy, almost ethereal child—along with his solemn father and weary mother as they set out on a dusty country road. The narrative brims with sensory detail: the crisp silk hat, the green‑painted carriage, the bustling village that watches the procession with a mix of curiosity and reverence. From the tender moment when the father wipes away tears to the mother’s quiet reassurance, the family’s love and anxiety are palpable.
As Untuvainen journeys onward, he is guided by the enigmatic Maurits, a wise figure whose presence looms larger with each mile. Their conversation hints at deeper stakes: a promised marriage, a mysterious destination, and the unspoken fears that drive both boy and mentor. The road ahead promises both wonder and challenge, inviting listeners to follow Untuvainen’s delicate steps toward an uncertain future, all set against the gentle rhythm of early‑twentieth‑century Finnish countryside life.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (99K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2017-12-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1858–1940
A pioneer of Swedish literature, this Nobel Prize winner wrote stories that blend folklore, moral depth, and a strong sense of place. She is still especially loved for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, a classic that carries readers across Sweden through the eyes of a child and a wild goose.
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