Release date is 2015-12-02

E-text prepared by Timo Ervasti and Tapio Riikonen

"Vaikea tie: Romaani nykyajalta" by Kyösti Wilkuna is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers on Markus Kaarlela, a university student navigating the bustling life of Helsinki after leaving his quiet rural upbringing. As he seeks a place to live and struggles with his political identity amid the complexities of student life, the story explores themes of social class, personal ambition, and belonging. The opening of the novel introduces Markus as he arrives in the city, feeling unsettled and out of place among his fellow students. He experiences anxiety and homesickness while searching for affordable accommodation. Markus's interactions reveal his struggle with societal expectations and his affiliation with socialism, which sets him apart from his peers. As he reflects on his unconventional thoughts on politics and social issues, he also encounters two sisters, Olga and Hilma Mustonen, who embody the struggles of working-class women. The initial chapters outline Markus's journey of self-discovery in a rapidly changing society, highlighting his quest for stability and purpose amid the urban chaos. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified