This classic Finnish novella brings forth the gap between gentry and the poor in 19th century Finland. The best way this shows is in the part where Mari Holpainen wanders around the city and sees her former employee's daughter, who is now a young woman. Although they used to be close, now the daughter doesn't recognise Mari anymore, which suggests that their relationship wasn't that personal in the first place. This scene also shows how gentry spoke Swedish back then. Mari's husband can't even talk to the doctor, because the doctor speaks Swedish.

Even other poor families can't see the distress of the family Holpainen, before it's too late. Hellu, the family's oldest daughter, is said to be quiet and satisfied. Is she satisfied or merely resigned? Her innocent childhood is practically lost, and she can already sense the anxiety of the adults. The future doesn't look too bright, especially when there are families with a worse situation, and therefore first to get help from the authorities. No matter how much outsiders would like to help, it's not always possible. If you give a bag of flour for free, how many times you have to repeat it before bankruptcy strikes?

This was interesting, but I still felt something was missing. The discussion between the doctor and the priest seemed a bit random, like Canth wanted two extra characters to talk with her mouth. She is nevertheless an interesting author, so I'll definitely continue with her works.