
A lyrical tale opens with a meditation on two opposite worlds: the quiet, pale spring of the north and the radiant, flower‑filled heat of the south. The narrator invites readers to feel the gentle yearning of Finnish mornings and the dazzling abundance of an Italian summer, where ruined walls whisper stories of past glories and hearts flare like sudden flames.
In the sun‑kissed garden of a southern villa, a spirited young girl—called “Lemmikki”—encounters the flamboyant painter Wolf Lichter among blooming roses. Their banter, half‑playful and half‑philosophical, weaves together language, art, and the longing to step beyond familiar borders. As they plan a walk through vivid streets and hidden courtyards, the story teases a journey of discovery, inviting listeners to explore how contrasting seasons and cultures can awaken imagination and a deeper sense of self.
Language
fi
Duration
~3 hours (213K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2019-05-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1874–1966
A Finnish teacher, writer, and translator, she wrote for both children and adults and was especially known for her warm, Christian-themed books. Her long career reached from the late 19th century well into the 20th, making her a familiar name in Finnish literary life for decades.
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