Release date is 2014-02-10

E-text prepared by Tapio Riikonen

"Kovina aikoina: Kertomus Suomen viimeisten nälkävuosien ajoilta" by Karl A. Tavaststjerna is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book likely explores the hardships faced in Finland during the last famine years, particularly focusing on the struggles of ordinary people and their perseverance in the face of adversity. The narrative introduces various characters, highlighting the experiences and emotions of those affected by the famine, as well as societal implications during this trying period. The opening of the story depicts a somber and cold spring day in 1867, with the protagonist, a northern farmer, struggling to maintain his livelihood amidst the harsh realities of hunger and economic instability. He travels with his brown horse, Rusko, loaded with rags to sell to a paper mill, showing a mix of determination and resignation. As he navigates through the desolate landscape and past a manor house, his thoughts reflect the despair and anger felt by many in his situation, and the interactions he has with the landed gentry reveal societal tensions. The scene is richly described, setting a bleak tone that illustrates the challenges the characters face and hints at broader themes of survival, social class struggles, and the impact of nature on human life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified