Anssi Leinonen

Katri's husband has died in the Finnish Winter War. When the Continuation War begins, Katri volunteers to work in a Helsinki military hospital. She is courted by a patient, a poetry-reciting countryman bound to be released from service. In the same time, she dates old school friend Eero who even goes AWOL to be near her. As the war continues, Katri has to make difficult decisions about her life.

The main character is a man who has stayed in his homestead after the death of his parents, when nearly all other villagers have already left for the city in hopes of better lives. The man's quest is to reconnect with his bride who moved away years ago. On his journey through the village he perceives the familiar and secure scenes from the different angle, new and transformed.