Hamlin Garland
A Little Norsk; Or, Ol' Pap's Flaxen
"A Little Norsk; Or, Ol' Pap's Flaxen" by Hamlin Garland is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the harsh Dakota prairie and revolves around Anson Wood, Bert Gearheart, and a little girl named Flaxen Hair, whom they take in after a tragic incident leaves her mother dead in a lonely shanty during a blizzard. The narrative explores themes of survival, companionship, and the struggles of pioneer life as the three characters navigate the challenges of their environment and their emotional connections with one another. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Anson and Bert as they engage in their daily routines while braving the relentless winter weather. The men discover Flaxen, a young child who has been left orphaned, and bring her into their home. The initial chapters set the stage for the evolving relationships between the characters, highlighting Anson's protective instincts towards Flaxen and the tender but tough realities they all face in the midst of isolation and adversity. As the story unfolds, readers are given a glimpse into the daily lives of these characters and the bond they form as they strive to provide care and stability in a tumultuous world.