"Kihlatut" by Fredrika Pietilä is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of two young girls, Kaisu and Maiju, who come from different social backgrounds. Kaisu is a mer sailor's daughter, while Maiju is raised in a wealthier household, creating a dynamic filled with contrasts in aspiration and societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Kaisu on the morning of her ninth birthday, filled
with excitement as she awaits her father's return from sea. Her mother, engaged in preparations for the celebration, reflects on their humble life and the societal differences that define their existences. Through Kaisu’s dialogue with her mother and her thoughts about her friend Maiju, the narrative begins to explore themes of class disparity, childhood innocence, and the complexities of friendship. As Kaisu interacts with Maiju, who is growing increasingly distant due to her changing social status, the seeds of conflict and heartache are sown, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their intertwined fates in the pages to follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
