Aili: Kertomus

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Aili, a young woman experiencing the complexities of life and her longing for a deeper purpose beyond her home in Kaarila. As she discovers the beauty of nature and interacts with her friend Eero, Aili grapples with her desires, social expectations, and the idea of contributing to her community. At the start of the novel, Aili and Eero are depicted engaging in playful banter about the melting snow, while describing their shared love for the arrival of spring. Their conversations reveal Aili's sense of restlessness and her growing awareness of the broader world around her, sparked by Eero’s tales of life in Helsinki. Aili reflects on her status as an adopted child and her longing for knowledge and social equality. The opening sets the stage for her internal conflict between familial duties and her aspirations for independence and involvement in social issues, laying the groundwork for her character development throughout the narrative.