
Set against the tumult of early‑twentieth‑century Bengal, the novel follows a well‑to‑do family whose tranquil domestic world is suddenly disturbed by the surge of the swadeshi movement. The political fervor sweeps through the streets, urging a return to indigenous goods and self‑reliance, and soon reaches the very threshold of the household. As the nation’s call for reform grows louder, the walls of the home become a microcosm for the larger struggle between tradition and change.
At the heart of the story are a married couple whose lives are pulled in opposite directions. The wife, devoted to the rituals and comforts of her upbringing, clings to the familiar symbols of her role, while her husband, inspired by the new nationalist ideals, becomes increasingly involved in public activism. Their divergent paths create a tension that threatens the stability of their marriage, prompting both to question what loyalty means—to each other, to family, and to a country in flux.
Through gentle prose and keen observation, the narrative explores how personal relationships are reshaped by broader social currents. It reflects on love, duty, and the yearning for a harmonious society where reforms precede politics, inviting listeners to contemplate the delicate balance between private devotion and collective aspiration.
Language
fi
Duration
~6 hours (384K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Finland: Otava, 1937.
Credits
Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2023-02-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1861–1941
A Nobel Prize-winning poet, novelist, songwriter, and educator, he reshaped Bengali literature and introduced many readers around the world to modern Indian writing. His work blends music, spirituality, nature, and everyday human feeling in a way that still feels fresh.
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