The movie tells about the life of Kalle Päätalo in the years 1951-1958. It tells about the burning desire of Päätalo, who worked as a carpenter and master builder, to become a writer and about the long road that led to the birth of his first novel. Too much hard work, too little love in marriage and too little self-confidence prevent Kalle Päätalo (Kai Lehtinen) from realizing his lifelong dream. Päätalo, the construction master of Taivalkoski municipality, lives in an unhappy marriage with Laina (Nina Jääskeläinen). Unemployment and heavy debts lead Päätalo to Tampere, and the marriage ends up breaking up due to the man’s infidelity. Leena (Susanna Anteroinen), the second wife of the main house, encourages her husband to fulfill his lifelong dream as a writer. The film shows an overview of post-war Finland, where diligent construction, industrialization and urbanization changed the country’s character once and for all.
