The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylväinen opens in 1851 in the Arctic Circle. Most Arctic Circle inhabitants are Sámi reindeer herders who believe in traditional gods with a unique culture. The novel's central character is Lars Levi, a Lutheran preacher who travels several miles into the Arctic Circle to introduce Christianity to the locals.
When Lars arrives in the Arctic Circle, he faces culture shock because the local people have their gods and traditions they believe in. Initially, Lars tries to convince the locals to accept Christianity, where Jesus is the Savior and Messier. Despite the challenges, Lars is an optimistic church minister, and he pursues his passion until Biettar, the senior member of the Sámi reindeer herders' community, is saved and appreciates Christianity. Biettar inspires other Sámi reindeer herders to believe in the new religion, and several convert to Christianity.
While in the Arctic Circle, Lars' daughter falls in love with a youthful Sámi reindeer herder, and they start a romantic relationship. Once an obedient and respectful daughter, Lars' daughter starts questioning her father's parenting style and becomes defiant. Lars' daughter is madly in love and does not want her father to take control of her life. Lars' daughter becomes reckless, disrespectful, and carefree because she does not want her father to control her life.
In conclusion, The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylväinen is a stunningly written novel transcending time and place. The interaction between Lars and the Sámi reindeer herders shows endless possibilities that supersede culture, religion, and other traditions that might hinder the human race.
