Papa's Wife

The Franzons #1

by Thyra Ferre Bjorn

Pastor Franzon's sixteen-year-old maid determines to marry him despite the handsome preacher's resolve to remain a bachelor

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Christian, Christian Fiction, Romance, Family

310 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Kathryn in FL · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father was the minister of a Protestant church with Swedish members, some spoke Swedish and the church as founded in the 1880's in Erie PA when many Swedish immigrants settled that area (primarily for the fishing and shipping jobs).

Being an avid reader, I came across this in the church library and soon found this story of a Swedish pastor's family life in the late 1800's fascinating and tremendously funny. Before long, it was being passed between my mother, my older sister and I as each wanted to find out what happened next. When whomever was reading would begin to laugh, the others would shout, don't tell me! Since we all wanted to read it for ourselves!

A rather thick book, most chapters had at least one funny moment.

One of the most memorable, now some 48 years later, after the first child, a son was born with red hair (something his father deplored!), the pregnant mother was not allowed to look at anything red for fear that another child would also be a redhead, particularly their barn which could be seen from the master bedroom window. They had a blonde the next time but one of the children who followed later had red hair and the father insisted that the mother did not follow his orders!

Though they were farmers and owned land and animals the story focused both on family as well as their little community. Btw, boys all slept in one room, girls in the other as this family became quite sizeable. The stories with so many born so close in age provided plenty of fodder for story telling. I did find a third book in the series but alas someone never returned the one of the titles.

Swedes aren't known for being emotion led people but their kindness always brought me warmth, just like I experienced in Thyra's accounts.

This was a book, I would love to have in my own library or to at least read again.

[Kathleen Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Thyra Bjorn when I was in high school in the mid 1960's. She spoke to my church youth group. I was enthralled, and I know that experience stuck with me, inspiring me to write. I loved PAPA'S WIFE when I read it as a teenager, but when I re-read it as a young mother it inspired me even more. One of the scenes I still think about often: late at night as Mama polishes the children's shoes she thinks about each child--and that child only--with each pair. Then she arranges them in a neat row, ready for the feet that will wear them to school the next day. It's one of the most beautiful motherhood images I've ever read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. I tend to like memoirs in general and this is a lightly fictionalized version of the author's experiences growing up in a large Pastor's family in Sweden and immigrating to the United States in her teens.

Although the author is the oldest daughter, Button, in the story, she tells it from the point of view of her parents. It is a charming, early 20th century story of an old bachelor Pastor in Northern Sweden who is beguiled into marriage with a much younger woman who bears him eight children then convinces him to move to America so they can have the opportunity for a better education. It is a frankly sentimental but thoroughly heartwarming story of a family's loves, losses, hopes and dreams. Having read this many, many times over the years I feel as though I know the Franzon family and I am visiting old friends whenever I read it.

The sequel, Papa's Daughter, follows Button into adulthood and deals with more serious topics such as depression and marital difficulties. It is the grownup Button's unvarnished experiences as a wife and mother. But in spite of some weightier themes, her spirit of the wonder of life shines through and ultimately leaves the reader feeling as though they have made a lifelong friend.

Neither of these books are great literature, but they are written from the heart by a woman who was compelled to immortalize her remarkable family and their faith in God as they struggle to find their way in a world quite different than the one they left behind in Sweden.

[Mir]

Not for me.

I have no idea what book I was thinking of when I ordered this, but I somehow imagined both plot and prose as something completely different, perhaps a sort of Scandinavian Elizabeth Bowen.

Instead it's a bit like a slightly more grown-up Cheaper by the Dozen. That's the closest parallel I can think of at the moment, anyway. Many people, I know, adore that book. I did not. Nor did I care for this one.

Like Cheaper, this is a slightly fictionalized but mostly true story of a family. If you think getting married at 20 to a Conservative, stingy, stern minister (of the sort of religion that is into public rebuke for the slightest sin and beating children to keep them virtuous) more than twice your age who really just wants a housekeeper and having eight children, in Lapland, would be a sweet life, than this is for you! Since to me it sounds like one of the most horrible possible lives imaginable that doesn't involve actual torture (which, those eight pregnancies...) so I'm not finishing it.

Just thought I'd blurb it since it doesn't seem widely read and maybe will find a fan here. It's by the daughter of the minister, and there are at least two more books if you enjoy it.

[Shantelle]

After reading probably over half of Papa's Wife, I decided I couldn't finish it. See, the more I read, the more it seemed to me that "Mama" is rather selfish, and prideful, and can't handle being told "no". She often acted more like a spoiled girl than a wife of a pastor & mother of eight! There were so many times that she pushed, and pleaded, and manipulated; putting aside her husband's (and sometimes children's) feelings and best interests, because, heaven forbid that anything get in the way of her dreams!
And Papa just seemed kind of reluctantly tolerant, dragged down, and not really the leader of his own home and family.
Furthermore, I don't like how they mentioned "God's will" and "God guiding them" when they really weren't asking His opinion at all, but just chasing blindly after their own ambitions or trying desperately to save their pride.

I'm sure others loved this book. But for me, it just started to rub me the wrong way. Maybe I'm getting impressions that the author didn't mean to bring across, but ... I just couldn't finish the book. Hopefully someone else will enjoy it when I bring it to trade at the bookstore.

[Sonia Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Papa's wife, in my teens, and remember feeling quite disappointed.
At sixteen I wanted sizzling romance, something the M&B's were full of.
What was I doing with a story of a calm life full of small joys that consisted of washing days, making jam, polishing shoes.
Much later in life when realization dawned that Romance is much different from the sizzling M&B's and that washing, cooking and all the other mundane tasks can really be beautiful in fact everything that makes a good family life I realised what Romance actually is.
The book is heart warming for its simplicity and good values.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

April 2, 2021: Second time reading this and I loved every bit as much as I did 7 years ago. Maria Franzon is still a wonderful role model. I chuckle to think how much the old-fashioned ideas in this book would be despised by many today. As for me, I absolutely love it. Next I will be reading the second book in the Franzons series for the first time ever and look forward to it.

LOVED it. My favorite book of 2014 so far. Mama Franzon is such a wonderful inspiration and mentor.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Papa's Wife made me feel as though I were snuggling down into a huge overstuffed chair with a thick and warm comforter. I felt warm and safe whenever I opened the pages. It brought back the same feelings that I got while reading books as a kid.

The book was first published in 1955. It was checked out many times after our library acquired it in 1973. It hasn't been read much in recent years. I'm hoping that by displaying it in a prominent place and by recommending it that I'm able to get it into circulation again.

I don't know why our book supplier gave it an an adult interest level. It is suitable for a much younger audience.

I'm looking forward to reading Papa's Daughter, the second in the series, which is also on our library shelves. I'll be looking for a copy of Mama's Way to complete the trilogy.

For me, this was definitely a five-star read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and humorous book about a minister's family that moves from Sweden to America. It's somewhat old-fashioned, but a great read. The author indicates that this book is a semi-fictional autobiography of her family.

I love Maria Franzon's character - loving, energetic, and persuasive.

This book made me very hungry. Maria is always making coffee bread, plättar, kanelbulle, and köttbullar. This book definitely inspired me to bake.

I remembered while reading that I read this book previously -- probably as a teen-ager. I didn't care for it then, but this time I really enjoyed it.

[Schuyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are sweet orphan stories. Epic coming-of-age stories. Fantasy stories.

A simple, sweet family story can be hard to find.

This is a beautiful story of how one couple married, raised babies, and preached the Word. We need more of these.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story of a Swedish family of 10 that immigrated to America reminded me of the books Cheaper by the Dozen and The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Very fun read.

Here are 2 quotes found near the end of the book:

"Life was made up of joy and sorrow -- balanced measures of each -- so that you appreciated the joy more because of the dark hours. Like dark strands woven with threads of gold in a fine tapestry, but to which, at the time of weaving, you were too close to understand its values." (p. 297)

"But let us remember that life is very much like the climbing of a mountain. We must reach the heights before we can behold the view. And in like manner do we all see the world from different levels, for we have not all come the same journey. How, therefore, can we afford to judge each other? Consider first the distance you have climbed. Has he, whom you would judge, reached the same pinnacle of wisdom and faith? For in the fullness of God's promise, the higher we climb, the smaller become the things of earth -- doubts, envy, fear, selfishness. And the nearer your Heaven..." (p. 298)

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. This story about a immigrant Swedish pastor's wife touches me and I have read it over and over since adolescence. It feels like my friend.

[Saski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not all that well written but it's sweet and has a lovely way to show Swedish traditions of about century ago.

Quotes that caught my eye

…trouble is just luck turned inside out. (120)

How easy washday was in America, here, every Monday was washday. Every week, instead o twice a year as it was in Lapland. Of course, in Lapland she had not done all the work herself on those twice-a-year washings which consumed an entire week. Tant Renberg and Emma Erickson had helped. All the white clothes were boiled in lut and pounded vigorously with a klappträ on a board in the brook, until they were white as the mountain snow. Twelve dozen sheets and several times as many towels and pillowcases. Now she had only two dozen of each….
Why, in Sweden, no girl would have thought of getting married until she had twelve dozen sheets, pillowcases and towels, all marked in lovely embroidery with her own first initial and the second initial f her husband-to-be. But even more important were the bride-sheets. The bride-to-be worked almost a year on them. Every stitch by hand and delicately embroidered. With these she herself prepared the bridal bed. (124-25)

In Sweden everyone waited eagerly for the return of the cuckoo in the spring, for you could tell what the future had in store by the direction from which the call first came. Like that spring morning in Lapland so long ago, when she had walked up the road to the parsonage to apply for a job as Papa’s maid. She had heard the cuckoo then for the first time that year, and her heart had stood still at the sound. She had stopped and listened, scarcely breathing until she realized that the call came from the west. Then she had known she would have the best year of her life….
And as she neared the parsonage, she realized how lucky she had been that the sound had not come from another direction. For had it come from the east, it would have meant she would need to be comforted before the year was up; or from the north, a heartbreaking disappointment. And the south meant death! (163-64)

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It made me happy when reading and sad after. I love a sad ending. I honestly can’t get enough, because so many movies, shows,and books generally have a happy ending or where everyone’s at least good-ish. And I do think that it’s good because entertainment should give you an escape from your troubles and pains, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to always be all cupcakes and sunshine.
But enough about me Liking sad endings.
I love this book as I said. It’s an amazing story about a man and woman who marry, than have kids.
And we ain’t talking 3-4 kids. No,no,no,no,no. Eight! I think. Idk for sure.
And all of their kids are amazing and as good as kids get 😂 the wife gets into some mischief, (which reminds me of the show I love Lucy.) and is funny and very entertaining to read.
If you like older books that are about some romance and family (mainly family:) you would like this one... I mean, idk what you like, but seeing what I like and if you like the same kind of books, you MIGHT like it :)

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read this as a teenager and now again some twenty years later, I cannot help but find my reflections heavily tinged by the "then and now" comparisons. My recollection was that this was a story of parsonage life in Sweden. It is . . . partly, but Papa's Wife is determined the family move to America, and more than half the book takes place there rather than in Papa's beloved Lapland.

My older-and-wiser mind could not help aching throughout as I saw the choices Mama was determined to make for her children. The move to America is over and over again touted as necessary to further their education. Education is well and good, but it is also clearly apparent that the choice for education means a choice to leave behind the deep-rooted Swedish traditions that promote family above all else. In fact, one whole chapter is devoted to the struggle one of the sons faces between taking seven years to finish his medical education and become a surgeon or to get married sooner and become a family doctor. Mama rejoices when he chooses to postpone marriage in favor of his medical schooling.

In fact, although most of the children end up happily married by the end of the book, the astute reader can see for the next generation the decline of the bustling, happy parsonage life that Mama so openly loves. This is the dream of 1950's America, but it will mean losing the very heart and soul of Mama and Papa Franzons' happy life. Ultimately, I could not enjoy the book as much as I did before--nor am I sure I will keep it around for my own children to read--because I saw how manipulative Mama was of Papa and how her choices miscalculated the things that truly matter, even though she does truly treasure her husband and family.

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: sticking to your roots, Scandinavian immigration, big family life
Summary: Maria is a determined woman who wants to marry Pontus Franzon, the minister of the little church in Northern Sweden. Maria gets her way and becomes Papa's wife, along with 8 children. This is the trials and triumphs as the Franzon's grow up, move to America and start their own families.
Response: This book is really adorable. I had a bit of a time trying to get into it. Mama's (Maria) character was really off-putting to me at the beginning. I hate being manipulated and even though her heart was in the right place, she was constantly scheming to get her way. I felt so bad for Papa! He was like a loner caught in a storm. Before he even knows what is happening, he leaves bachelorhood behind, gets married, and suddenly has a huge family. I think I would have connected better with the story had I some experience raising a family. A lot of the stories were about everyday growing experiences that as a parent, you have a different perspective on. I did love all the references to Scandinavian culture and traditions, even if it was Swedish. It was close enough.
Overall, sweet sentimental book about the love of a big family and growing up together.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how she tried so hard to meet the needs of each of her eight children. She was such a great Mom and did you notice what a fantastic minister she was? It really comes out I think that she had just as much, maybe more faith than her husband. I loved how he wasn't perfect either. Lots of hard work to make a marriage work, but they showed how it can be a beautiful experience just the same.
Loved this quote about food:
They way you manage your own home is important too. Little things again- like having the table set when John comes home. And making the meal the most important thing in your life at that moment. Nothing lifts a man's spirit like the odor of fresh coffee and meat and muffins baking in the oven. And when you whisper 'Darling, I cooked this especially for you!' Well that's a big deposit in your happiness-for-life bank account. pg. 249

A joy to read,
And thank you JOY for suggesting I read this one. I loved it, but you knew I would.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about the Franzon Family books as a result of my hobby. I enjoy tracing my family's history--especially the Swedish side of my family. As a result, I am constantly looking for books that will give me a glimpse of what life may have been like for my Swedish immigrant ancestors. "Papa's Wife" tells the story of Pastor Pontus Franzon, his young wife Maria, their large brood of children, and their lives in both Swedish Lapland and the United States. Even though my ancestors were not Swedish pastors, they were highly faith-driven, and this book made me feel as though I might have been peeking into their daily lives. While the book itself is fictionalized, I felt that many of the details were genuine. The book is not a difficult or indepth read, but it is very enjoyable; I loved every moment of it. I am sure I will revisit the Franzon family and their stories many times in the future.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over when I was younger. I still remember many things about it. However, I fear that if I read it again at this point in my life, The Suck Fairy will have done her work. (If you're unfamiliar with TSF, simply Google her.)

I keep it a 5 star book, though, because it was one of those books that I loved ridiculously when I was young. Maybe a weak reason for giving it five stars, but there you have it.

I also wonder in retrospect if there's a connection between loving this book about a conservative Swedish minister and his wife and my becoming a liberal American minister who dreams of eating Lucia buns and other Swedish pastries which are described in unfair detail throughout Papa's Wife. I guess I should see if my husband wants to learn to cook fancy pastries for me while I'm in the study writing sermons.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading "heavy" books like "We Band of Angels" and "Just Mercy," I searched for something light and easy. Enter "Papa's Wife." In the early 20th century, young Maria sets her eyes on the older parson and encourages him to hire her as a maid. From this develops a delightful story of Pastor Franzon (Papa) and Maria (Mama) and their life together with a growing family in the parsonage in Lapland and in the parsonage and on a farm in New England. Certainly there are problems along the way, but Mama manages life and family with persuasive confidence, insight, and faith in God so that it really is quite perfect. Mama and Papa do not always confide in each other and the family does not always communicate all that well, but these are not bad enough to keep me from enjoying this chronicle of a warm, happy, wholesome family.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I have not finished this book completely, but I read enough to get a pretty good idea of it. It's a very quaint and sweet and somewhat silly story of a Swedish family. It takes place in the early 1800's and it's about a determined woman who marries a stubborn and rather superstitious preacher. I liked it but not enough to keep plowing through it. I guess I am just not currently in the mood. There's really no plot, it's just stories about this family and their children. It's sweet and I think I would like to read it all through sometime but I think I need a real grabber right now. So I'm going to go ahead and take it back. Try again later maybe.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading "vintage" novels occasionally. This book about a Swedish immigrant family was pleasant and a bit too sweet at times. I admit to feeling like a failure in the housekeeping department. What is it with Northern Europeans and house cleaning? The chapters on raising a large family struck me close to the heart - as a mother of 6 children I could relate to Maria, the mother of 8. Both of us had a second child that cried day and night for her first 5 monthes. Faith played a large part of the story, as the Papa in the title was a preacher. Just a little bit too predictable at times, but I still liked it.

[Celestia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sisters had raved about this book for years so I finally surrendered and read it. It is another one of those "feel good" classics like Mama's Bank Account, a cheery book to read when one is depressed, discouraged, frustrated, sick, bored, and in need of escape. Yet it is not mind candy. It tells of a family's deep faith in God and wholesome family life in Sweden and then America. Now I am reading the sequel. It's one of those books you just don't want to end. My sister claims it is her favorite book. It's not quite up there for me, but it is a delight.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this before, but wanted one to read aloud to Greg on the trip that would be an easy read. I'm not sure what he thought of it, but I did catch him smiling a time or two. (Due to the similarities between Maria and me?!)I had remembered these books as being true, but I guess not. Oh well. I liked learning about the Swedish culture. I love the pre-breakfast coffee idea. Served in bed, ideally. I also enjoyed the part where Mama shines the shoes of each child on Saturday evenings. A fun read. I'll read the rest.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea how this got on my reading list, was surprised to see it in my stack of ordered books. I quickly embraced it, and enjoyed reading it cuddled with a cat on my lap, it's that kind of book. I've read so many dramas and bios and books about loss that it was such a delight to read one that was about good things.

I do wish I'd stopped reading before the last few pages, so my feel-good some-things-do-end perfectly fantasy wouldn't have been ruined. Is it so bad to have a book that is just happy, without loss?

[Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about a preacher and his family . His young housekeeper falls in love with him and eventually he realizes he loves her too after she moves from Lapland to America. He goes to America to bring her back. In the course of their married life they have 8 children. They eventually move back to America where he becomes the preacher of a local church and a farmer! I enjoyed reading their ups and downs & how G-d was the center of their lives. This book is no longer being published. I bought a used copy.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this book after I saw it at a resale shop, because I had such good memories of how I felt discovering the story the first time. I enjoyed it again and realized that it had influenced my life at a pivotal time. I learned that it was possible to have a loving home based on true Christian principles because it was based on a real family's experiences. Mama was amazing and so unlike who I was at the time. I realized I could choose who I was to become. I love this family in the book.

[Amy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book when I read it as a teen. It was on the bookshelf at a house where I was babysitting. So nice that the parents were out late...

[Anna Garmoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The literary style and morality of this story was healing in the throes of too many recently-written books read in a row 🤪 The unashamed scripture references and interweaving of the gospel within this family friendly story was so refreshing. True morals were shared and abided by under Papa’s roof.

Papa’s leadership, mama’s submission and leadership in her home, and their portrayed legacy in their family and church ministry were just beautiful. Each page contained a laugh, a lesson, or a sweet moment of learning how to handle a marital or motherhood challenge from the perspective of a gracious, God-honoring mama. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

I’m so glad I bought my own used copy to underline and highlight as I go…this will be a re-read and a read aloud with my babies one day.

Mama sharing some wisdom with her daughter Vickey on the eve of her wedding: “The way you manage your own home is important, too. Very important. Little things again - like having the table set when John comes home. And making the meal the most important thing in your life at the moment. Nothing lifts a man’s spirit like the odor of fresh coffee and meat and muffins baking in the oven. And when you whisper “Darling, I cooked this especially for you!” Well, that’s a big deposit in your happiness-for-life bank account.”

[M.K. Laffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest here for a minute and admit that I had very low expectations for this book. I anticipated it being much like “Little Women” and “Pride and Prejudice” (both of which nearly bored me to death). On the contrary, this story was actually quite interesting. The storyline centers around a rather large Swedish (or Swiss? I can’t believe I’m forgetting this) family that emigrates to America partially through the story. There is lots of conflict, and although some of it I couldn’t care less about, some things truly kept me begging for the resolution.
Some of the characters were rather shallow, but if you stick with the story you can get to know them rather well as much information is added throughout the entire book.
The writing style was very easy-to-read most of the time, though I was occasionally befuddled by it simply because of the age of the book.
To my own surprise, I actually didn’t skim over the chapters centering around the romances of the family as I typically do. Well, not ALL of them. All credit to the author for making them interesting! .
Truly, this book really impressed me by placing itself in a type of story that I typically don’t care for, yet capturing my attention fully.