At the center of the story, which covers events from the late 19th to the late 20th century, are three female characters. Each strong and special in her own way. The fourth path is the path of a man, tragic and strongly connected to all three women. The reader gets to know life in Finland through the eyes of three generations of women, a mother, a daughter and a daughter-in-law. All three are strong and fearlessly defy a society that favors men. Maria is a respectable grandmother who raises her daughter alone and consciously no longer lets men into her life. Her daughter Lahja copes with society through her profession, which is unusual for a woman in the conditions of that time, namely, she is a photographer. She is married to Onni and together they raise three children. But love does not favor her, so she completely withdraws into herself and becomes cold towards those closest to her. Her daughter-in-law Kaarina is the only one who favors the traditional role of a woman, which does not mean that it is easier for her. Through the stories of four people, so different yet with similar longings and desires, the reader takes a walk through the recent history of Finland. At the same time, he reflects on social conditions and human nature, which remains true to itself regardless of historical circumstances.