Onnen Kultapoika: Romaani. 1/2

''Onnen kultapoika: Romaani. 1/2'' by Mór Jókai is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a time when the Danube River lacked modern steamships, instead relying on horse-drawn boats and offering a rich tableau of characters, including the young girl Timea and the ship's commissary Mikael Timar, who are on a journey filled with danger and adventure. At the start of the novel, the narrative introduces the treacherous landscapes and the activity along the Danube, rife with smuggling due to stringent regulations aimed at preventing the spread of plague. A ship, the ''Pyhä Barbara,'' navigates these waters, handled by experienced seamen, while its passengers face imminent challenges. As the crew encounters a dangerous mill in the river, Timar exhibits bravery and quick thinking to save the ship, earning both the admiration and attention of Timea, whose father is fleeing the Ottoman Empire. The scene sets the tone for a tale rich with adventure and the complexities of personal and political struggles.