Subject
Norwegian Americans -- Fiction Books
Best books
Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen
Tales from Two Hemispheres
"Tales from Two Hemispheres" by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The opening tale introduces Halfdan Bjerk, a young Norseman who arrives in America, filled with idealistic dreams of freedom and success but soon finds himself facing the stark realities of immigrant life and societal indifference. At the start of the book, we meet Halfdan as he disembarks in New York, excited yet terrified of his new life. As he navigates the bustling streets, he grapples with feelings of isolation and dislocation, compounded by a series of misfortunes, including losing his belongings and being fined as a vagrant. Through his encounters—both with the charming innocence of a young girl named Clara and the dismissive attitudes of adults—Boysen paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant's struggle to find his place in a vibrant yet unforgiving society. The opening effectively sets the stage for Halfdan's journey, highlighting themes of belonging, identity, and the often harsh contrast between dreams and reality.
O. E. (Ole Edvart) Rølvaag
Giants in the earth
"Giants in the Earth" by O. E. Rølvaag is a novel first published in Norwegian in 1924 and 1925, then in English in 1927. The story follows Per Hansa, his wife Beret, and their children as they join other Norwegian immigrant families settling the Dakota Territory in 1873. They face snowstorms, locusts, poverty, hunger, and loneliness while struggling to build new lives in America and navigate the challenges of fitting into an unfamiliar culture.
Carl E. (Carl Edin) Nordberg
Presten som ikke kunde brukes
"Presten som ikke kunde brukes" by Carl E. Nordberg is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life and challenges faced by Pastor Reierson, who has devoted ten years to the Glenfield congregation but finds himself increasingly marginalized and underappreciated in the face of newer, dynamic leaders and changing community expectations. Central themes include the value of faith, the trials of pastoral duty, and a critique of congregational politics, showcasing the contrast between the dedicated work of the older pastor and the growing preference for younger, more charismatic figures. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Pastor Reierson, who, although not old, is experiencing pressure from the community to resign due to the rise of a younger, more popular pastor named Carl Johnson. The opening chapter details the dynamics within the Glenfield congregation, highlighting the gossip and criticism surrounding Reierson while depicting the loyalty he has fostered over the years. As the story unfolds, the reader witnesses Reierson's internal struggles with self-worth and belonging amid the changing tides of church leadership. The voices of the congregation, especially the contrasting opinions on past and current leadership, provide a rich backdrop for exploring themes of community and spirituality.
Kristofer Janson
Kulissien takana
"Kulissien takana" by Kristofer Janson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mr. Plummer, a shrewd and opportunistic businessman in Minneapolis, who rises from humble beginnings to wealth, navigating through personal and social conflicts that arise from his ambitions and relationships. The characters include Mr. Plummer and his family, as well as Agnes, a strong-willed servant girl, who adds complexity to the narrative with her own aspirations. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. Plummer, who has built a substantial fortune in Minneapolis after an adventurous past that included dubious dealings and a discarded Indian wife. As the narrative unfolds, we see the juxtaposition of Plummer's ambition and the social climbing of his wife, Mrs. Plummer, who yearns to impress the city’s elite. The arriving French nobleman, Count Ducroix, sets the stage for further complications, especially when a case of mistaken identity occurs, drawing in his daughter Fanny and their servant Agnes. As social tensions gradually unravel amidst extravagant dinner parties, the characters reveal their inner conflicts and desires, suggesting a rich exploration of themes like class, identity, and the American dream.
Recently surfaced classics