Augusta’s Daughter: Life in Nineteenth Century Sweden

The harshness of nineteenth century Swedish peasant life is beautifully chronicled in Judit Martin’s new novel.

When it becomes known that Augusta Torsdotter’s daughter, Elsa-Carolina, is illegitimate, the course of both of their lives is irrevocably changed. As an adult, Elsa-Carolina immigrates to America, turning her back on the past. Three-quarters of a century later, at the age of 94, she returns to Sweden, to come to terms with her girlhood.

Martin’s knowledge of Swedish culture, work, superstitions, and attitudes provides a moving portrait of that era and of the lives and customs so rigidly controlled by the all-powerful village church.

To read a review of this novel by Joy Lintelman of Concordia College, go to:
http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=39449