The setting of the story puts Vanka in a time of misery and almost slavery conditions. He is the apprentice of a shoemaker, but instead is treated like a dog. He is constantly beaten and poorly fed. Lacking appropriate education, as was the case of most poor kids of the time, he still manages to write a plead letter to his grandfather, yet his style is incoherent at times, jumping from moments of sadness to joyful events, triggered by memories of a distant past. His rushed writing is justified by feelings of despair, looking for a prompt solution to his misery. After all he is just a little kid, and at that age his mind is all about fun and games; instead he is even forced to steal. He overcrowded the letter with ideas, fears, promises and hopes. He is also able to transmit, with a limited perception, his visions and int
Vanka’s story is about love and compassion; about the importance of strong family ties and happy memories. What will be of him if he ever reaches maturity? He could become a harsh person, a juvenile delinquent, or a criminal. Kids will mimic the adults, and his world is full of hatred and evil. It is a true revelation of our current reality. Vanka’s story is as significant today, as it was at the time of its writing. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of children are forced to work in the most inhuman conditions. They are abandoned or abused constantly by family members. Vanka’s thoughts of imminent death, easily depicts the chocking reality of contemporary times. He’s cry for freedom --a basic and inalienable human right— is happening right now everywhere in the world. It makes you wonder how it is possible, tha
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