Tales of Two Countries

Set in June 1867, the story introduces Alexander Kielland, a promising young orator celebrating his baccalaureate at the University of Norway. With a captivating presence and insightful speech, he leaves a strong impression on his peers, who predict a bright future for him. However, a decade later, he remains largely unknown outside his hometown of Stavanger, where he has settled into a conventional life as a law graduate, factory owner, and local dignitary, seemingly destined for a mundane provincial existence.