The Journey of Karoline Olsen

by Ann Hanigan Kotz

When her husband, Kristoffer, dies from a burst appendix in Iowa in 1905, middle-aged Karoline Olsen, mother of six, must make the 145-mile trip from Cedar Falls to Soldier by horse-drawn wagon to bring his body home. With the corpse on fast-melting ice, Karoline struggles to make good time across the rolling prairie during an exceptionally hot summer, recalling the story of their rocky marriage that brought them from Norway to the New World. The young couple, ambitious and naïve, arrive in the United States in 1884 with hopes of establishing a farm among other Norwegian immigrants, but are met instead with a constant battle against disease, famine, and poverty. A chronicle of the Olsens' fight to survive in the undeveloped Midwest, to preserve tradition in a new context, and to protect their family from the ravages of pioneer living, The Journey of Karoline Olsen is the tale of a woman and a wife building the American Dream out of nothing but the dirt on which she stands. Ann Hanigan Kotz's debut novel of love, loss, and heartache is based on her own family's heritage, traced back to its roots and re-imagined through a fiction akin to Faulkner.

183 pages, Hardcover

Published March 3, 2023

About the author

Ann Hanigan Kotz was born in Denison, Iowa, and lived on a farm southwest of town with her parents and five siblings. During her summers, she spent time at the Carnegie Library, reading becoming a passion early in her life.

After high school, Ann attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She started her education career in 1988 and continued teaching high school English for 33 years, finishing at Waukee High School in central Iowa. She also received a Master of Arts in Education from Viterbo University.

As a teacher, Ann was passionate about making her students better writers and readers. She credits her writing ability to studying and teaching the craft. Later in her profession, Ann taught college-level classes to high school students who themselves wanted to become teachers. Ann considers teaching one of the most honorable professions.
Retired from teaching, Ann Hanigan Kotz currently resides in Adel, Iowa, with her husband John Kotz.

Reviews

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate the weave in of history and the flow of the story. Each chapter is a different year but it ties in so well, you don’t get confused. I’m looking forward to reading the next book by this author!

[Laura Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the history side of this book even though it’s a work of fiction for the majority of the book. Also love that she’s a local author! It’s a must read!

[Karna Bosman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a part of a book club and am looking forward to visiting with the author when we meet next month. As the great-granddaughter of 4 Swedish immigrants, all of whom came to America because of the lack of opportunity in Sweden in the late 1800s, I found the immigrant story compelling. Carlson, Carlson, Larson, and Olson. And as a Swede, I can totally understand changing Olsen to Olson ;).

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was the story of a Norwegian couple who moved to America and started a farm. There were many tragedies along the way, and a complete loss of love too. It was liking sitting in on marriage counseling for two people who completely despised each other. 🤦🏼‍♀️ It was almost a relief when he died.

The story jumped back and forth in time, telling the back story alternating with telling her journey from Cedar Falls, IA, to Soldier, IA, with his dead body in the wagon. She ran out of ice along the way…so it stunk pretty bad by the time she got home. No open casket for the service. 🤢

It’s sad that some people’s lives end up like this: with their children dying, the spouses living as loveless roommates, the total lack of communication or respect. It made me weary reading it. And the sad thing: in the author’s note she said this was based on her relatives. I’m sure she fictionalized some of it, but the plot line itself was based on their lives.

[Tyler Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Journey of Karoline Olsen” by Ann Hanigan Kotz is a must read for fans of historical fiction set in the Midwest. I would described “The Journey of Karoline Olsen” as the story of how in 1905, Karoline Olsen; a middle-aged Norwegian immigrant and mother of six, must make a 145-mile journey by horse-drawn wagon starting in Soldier Iowa and heading by wagon to Cedar Falls to bring her husband's body home after he dies from a burst appendix. The journey is long & arduous, but the adventure confronts who Karoline is as she is forced to contend with the elements, the terrain, and her own grief. Along the way, she reflects on their rocky marriage and their struggles to build a life in the American Midwest.

“The Journey of Karoline Olsen” is written with great care about the Norwegian immigrant experience in the Midwest. The Norwegian immigrant experience in the Midwest of the United States was a mixed one as Norwegian immigrants were drawn to the Midwest by the promise of land, opportunity, and religious freedom. Iowa in particular had vast open spaces and fertile soil that reminded them of their homeland, and they were eager to start a new life in this land of promise. On the other hand, Norwegian immigrants faced many challenges in the Midwest. The climate was harsh, the work was hard, and the language barrier was often a major obstacle and many Norwegian immigrants also experienced discrimination and prejudice from native-born Americans similar to many other immigrant groups. Despite the challenges, Norwegian immigrants persevered and made significant contributions to the Midwest. “The Journey of Karoline Olsen” is a moving and inspiring novel based on the author's own family history and experiences.

The story tells the tale of a Norwegian immigrant woman who faces many challenges in her life, including poverty, loss, and marital strife. However, Karoline's resilience and strength of character shine through, and she ultimately triumphs over adversity. The novel is written in a very engaging non-linear fashion, alternating between Karoline's perspective as a young woman and her perspective as a middle-aged widow. This structure allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Karoline's character and her experiences. The novel is also notable for its realistic portrayal of life on a farm in the late 1800s. The author does not shy away from the hardships of this way of life, but she also shows the importance of family and community. Overall, The Journey of Karoline Olsen is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it and I hope the story of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit stays with you.

[Chanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE JOURNEY OF KAROLINE OLSEN is a historical fiction based around the story of a Norwegian newlywed couple who immigrate to America (first Minnesota and then western Iowa) at the turn of the century. Their struggles of settling into a new country, the hardships of farm life, and raising a family, test them in many ways.

The book is told in a dual timeline through the MFC, Karoline’s, POV. Flipping between her ‘current day’ in 1905 and then her past. From courting, to marriage, coming to a new land, having children, and all the highs and lows in between.

I enjoyed this story that was mostly based around my hometown area in Western Iowa. The setting and dynamics were well done, and I appreciated the realistic view of immigrant life, especially that for newlyweds. It is not a romance story, and it tows a blurry line between biography and fiction. Still, if you are looking for a glimpse at life in Iowa in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s this would be a great book to pick up for a quick read.

[Emma Krull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great historical read about late 19th and early 20th century farming life in the Midwest for European immigrants. I enjoyed the themes of family, tradition, independence, and feminism as the main character reflects on her marriage and her life as a married woman with opinions during a time when that was not always easily accepted by husbands. I loved the writing and found myself easily able to visualize the farm (being an Iowan myself probably helped with that) and characters. Karoline is a highly empathetic character whose tenacity I admired while reading. I made it through the novel quickly because of the engaging writing and compelling story.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really connected with this book because my family came to Iowa at about the same time and in about the same part of the state. I love pioneer stories and this met and exceeded my expectations. It was very realistic in the hardships that Karoline faced. The day to day activities of pioneer life were interesting, and the difficult relationship between husband and wife was interesting. The narrative structure back and forth in time was interesting but I’m not sure if it was necessary. But I thought it was very well-written and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to reading the sequel.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I loved hearing the names of Iowa towns where I spent many of my young adulthood and beginning years of my married life. I began the book toward the end of January but teaching kept my reading at bay - mostly due to guilt [read for enjoyment when I should be grading?!?]
Finishing it was great way to spend the first part of my spring break this year.

[Lee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I know the author and am a member of Daughters of Norway in Iowa. I liked this story in part because I know the people depicted in this story, Norwegian immigrants, and know the land. I’m sure my great-great-grandparents’ stories were similar. I am thankful for their pioneering spirit. I am again reminded that I would not have survived as an immigrant farmer’s wife in the 1800s.

[Brandy Belgarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for the first time when it was a self published book, and really enjoyed it. I read the publishers release for the letter! (Those who read the OG will know what letter I’m talking about) I am looking forward to next book from this author, and Karoline’s continued story.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling novel about Norwegian newlyweds who immigrate to the Midwest explores their difficult marriage in a new land. If there's really a purpose for everything, what about the calamities they face, what about his cruel words, especially his last words to her? Masterfully written.

[MaryAnn Lockey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique story plot. Each story element was not developed fully. It needed more character development. You didn’t get to know the characters until the last couple chapters and we were basically told how to feel about them. Sometimes you just need a light read and this fit the bill.

[Leann Gertsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting to like this, as we read it for a book club, but I was wrong. I truly enjoyed this book and finished it in less than 24 hours. I would highly recommend reading about Karoline and Kristopher’s journey.

[Barbara Timmins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read, the storyline was engaging and typical of the time period. I enjoyed the characters and sympathized with the feelings and beliefs and behaviors of the time. I cannot wait to start the second book.

[Danyelle Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this book as part of the summer decade reading challenge. It was full of a lot of loss, as her family moved to Iowa to start a farm. I was impressed by how each chapter was a new month and how it transitioned smoothly.

[Mike Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent summers with relatives around the Soldier and Morehead areas I found the book very enjoyable. Swenson, Johnson, Torgesen are family names. Johnson’s still farm over 3,000 acres in that area through the Loess Hills.

[John Kotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book. I was fortunate enough to read this when it was self-published. If you like historical fiction, you will certainly enjoy this novel.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Very interesting and a great read.

[Ann Frese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ What a book about Norwegian immigrants in Iowa. Can't wait to read the follow up novel on the rest of the family!

[Julie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Taylor L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read that brought me closer to my family’s agricultural roots

[Norma Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Loved reading about all of the Iowa places that are so familiar.
It’s a quick read!

[Angela Youngers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not always a huge historical fiction reader, and I admittedly don't know much about turn of the 20th century, especially in my home state of Iowa. So reading The Journey of Karoline Olsen was an informative, moving, and valued experience for me. I love how Hanigan Kotz uses non-linear structure to tell the story of a woman's life from the perspective of a forty-year-old woman reflecting on her marriage, children, and status as a Norwegian immigrant. The happenstances of raising a family in the late 1800s on a farm are realistic and, at times, heartbreaking. I often found myself thinking about my grandmother, who also had a large family and spent all of her time working to keep her farmhand-of-a-husband happy, while not always being appreciated for all she did.
This book is a wonderful read, but more so, it is an enlightening read for anyone who has roots in the Midwest and understands the trying nature of farming and attempting to build one's family name and legacy.