
A young scholar returns to his native Lalenburg after years abroad, stepping onto a stage that the entire continent watches. He is the son of the recently deceased, revered mayor Pietari Halle, whose legacy looms over the fledgling republic. The city’s elite see his arrival as a potential turning point in a society that balances strict hierarchy with the promise of modern enlightenment.
Lalenburg prides itself on a rigid social order where wealth dictates worth, yet the ruling council has begun to seed education among the peasantry—a controversial experiment that threatens long‑standing customs. As Hannu navigates the expectations of his lineage and the simmering debate over knowledge’s role in governance, he must decide whether to uphold tradition or push for change. The tension between old‑world authority and the restless curiosity of a new generation sets the stage for a story of political intrigue and personal destiny.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (115K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2020-10-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1771–1848
A lively German-born writer and reformer who built much of his life in Switzerland, he mixed storytelling with a strong interest in public life. His books, histories, and popular tales made him a widely read voice in the early 19th century.
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