Release date is 2025-02-16

Tuula Temonen

"Kohtalon leikkiä" by Liina Röösgrén is a narrative written in the early 20th century. This work unfolds as a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships. The text features a reflective protagonist who grapples with haunting memories of a past love, intertwining moments of longing, pain, and fleeting happiness as they navigate the complexities of connections with various women. The opening of the narrative introduces us to a deeply contemplative character, alone in a wintery setting reflecting on a grave he has created for someone significant to him. The protagonist struggles to forget the memories associated with this person, feeling a connection that persists despite attempts to bury it. As memories come flooding back, he oscillates between the pleasure of youth and the deep sorrow that accompanies his reminiscing. He attends a lively gathering, where amidst the festivities, he is confronted with feelings of attraction and the inevitable reminder of his past love, revealing a tumultuous inner world filled with desires, regrets, and a yearning for connection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Helsinki: Paperikauppa Viertola, 1923