Väärällä uralla

by Ilmari Kianto

"Väärällä uralla" by Ilmari Kianto is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young student who is torn between his dreams and his family expectations as he grapples with the decision to pursue a career as a soldier. The protagonist reflects on his connection to nature and the bittersweet nature of leaving his home, setting the stage for his internal conflict throughout the narrative. At the start of the book, the narrator, a young student, walks along the icy shores of a secluded lake, accompanied by his hunting dog, Soma. As he contemplates his impending departure from home and the reality of his chosen military career, he feels a mix of excitement and anxiety about the future. Despite his initial enthusiasm for the soldier’s life, elements of doubt begin to creep in as he reflects on the burdens of military life. The opening chapters beautifully evoke the protagonist's emotional state, revealing a young man who seeks purpose but is uncertain of the path he has chosen.