Locations of events.

It is a simple story about a country excursion beset with obstacles, told from both a French and a Japanese perspective. And that leads us to the question: what can we really know about a foreign culture? And is it permissible to make jokes at another culture's expense?

While 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is among the best-known Christmas stories, almost no one today knows his 'The Chimes.' This is understandable, for 'The Chimes' must be read against its historical background. It reflects the British poverty debate of the 1840s.

In the 19th century, the money economy replaced the self-sufficiency of the peasant world even in the most backward villages. Some adapted to the new challenges; others failed in the attempt. The Hungarian politician and novelist Kalman Mikszath portrays different types of money-handlers in a rural setting.

How does a collaborator tick? Is he a conscienceless traitor because he takes the path of least resistance? No, says the message Karagatsis conveys in his 'Bailiff of Kastropyrgos.' It is merely the circumstances of the time that leave the weak person no other choice. Karagatsis knew this from experience: he was a contemporary of the National Socialist occupation of Greece.

It would actually be the perfect story for today: a man of civilisation meets a child of the jungle who teaches him to treat all creatures with respect. The message seems right -- if only it were not conveyed with such arrogance.