Severed Ties and Silenced Voices- Separation and Social Adaption in Two Swedish Immigrant Families

by Roger McKnight

Severed Ties and Silenced Voices is a social history of immigrant times, encapsulated in the life histories of Lars Johnson, his wife Caroline, and their nearest neighbor and his family. Their story bridges the Old World and New World experience. It concentrates on the years 1833 to 1920, but also follows the fate of the Johnson relatives and descendants, on both sides of the Atlantic, well into the twentieth century. It is a captivating documented account of cultural assimilation, broken relationships, family tragedy, and the search for personal fulfillment in difficult times.

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Roger McKnight is Professor Emeritus in Scandinavian Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN.

Reviews

[Dianne Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I was looking for to understand the Swedish emigrants social networks, in America and especially in their homeland. I appreciated the specifics and explanations as to the driving forces to emigrate. The cultural aspects of the parish norms will be useful as I continue my genealogical research of the parish records, i.e. marriage customs, divorce.

[Rhonda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially fun to read since my Mom helped with the research. Coincides with the Younger Brother Capture. Some of the same county officials appear in both stories. Interesting.