Se Oli Sallittu

A novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores life in a rural Finnish community, particularly focusing on the family living at Mäntyvaara. It intricately details the daily lives, struggles, and interactions of the family members while also touching upon elements of tradition, nature, and community relationships. The opening of the story introduces us to the picturesque setting of Mäntyvaara, a homestead atop a hill surrounded by lakes, including Muikkujärvi. We meet the elderly owners, Iikka and his wife, as well as their adult children, including Kaisu, who emerges as a vibrant character with aspirations and youthful musings. On one such summer evening, the family prepares for a fishing trip to gather food, indicating their dependence on both nature and tradition for sustenance. Their interactions highlight the themes of family, the cycle of life, and the overarching influence of fate, encapsulated in the refrain that whatever happens is ''sallittu'' (allowed). This sets a reflective tone for the unfolding narrative, amidst the backdrop of serene yet demanding rural life.