Pleasant little tale of Oyvind, son of Norwegian peasant farmers, and his rural young life. From his first childhood encounter with neighbor Marit, through his school years (and the sobering life story of his God fearing teacher)....through his teens (jealousy over Marit..a determination to make something of himself at college) and the eventual happy outcome.. ( )

In the lovely short novel, I can visualize the landscape of the farmland, and see the animals, the smell of the fresh air. I enjoyed the progression of the main character from little boy to young adulthood. The influence of the church was strongly present in this little town as well as the educator and the peasant aristocracy you might say. This is truly a peasant novel of rich didactic value. I saw the Eyvind experience emotions and facts of peasant life he had to adjust to with patient endurance to come out the victor of Marit his friend since childhood. Excellent balance between dialogue and narration. Recommend for a lively short read. ( )