Tunturikertomuksia

''Tunturikertomuksia'' by Arvi Järventaus is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book appears to explore the lives and experiences of people living in the Finnish Lapland, focusing on themes of loss, memory, and cultural identity. The opening portion introduces the character of little Aslak, a Lappish boy grappling with grief and displacement after being taken to a children's home following his mother's death. The beginning of ''Tunturikertomuksia'' presents the poignant story of Aslak, who sits on the steps of the children's home, crying silently over the loss of his mother and his beloved reindeer leather trousers. Through Aslak's memories, we see vivid scenes from his past, including the bittersweet moment when his mother gave him the trousers she had crafted. Aslak's longing for his lost belongings and the troubling reality of his new environment create a stark emotional landscape, highlighting the pain of separation and the yearning for comfort in familiar things. The narrative beautifully captures the inner turmoil of a young boy facing the harshness of life and the vulnerability of childhood.