Augusta's Daughter: Life in Nineteenth Century Sweden

by Judit Martin

"Presently the evenness of his breathing told her he was asleep. For a long time she lay on her back just as he had left her, mulling over her situation. In those brief minutes everything had supposedly righted itself. She had officially left her girlhood behind forever and become a woman. The days of wearing her hair down her back in a long braid were gone, although she was not yet entitled to wear a married woman’s kerchief. Nor did she any longer belong to the group of young housemaids who had been her friends, nor to a group of married women whom she hardly knew. All at once she felt very alone, not knowing what was expected of her. The only thing she knew for sure was that her life had taken a false turn, and she didn’t know how to set it right again." ========================= Nineteenth century Swedish peasant life was not always the dance around the Midsummer pole portrayed by the artists of the time. Those same peasants lived daily lives in the shadow of the all-powerful village church, controlled by the countless rules, customs, and traditions that governed every aspect of their existence, leaving no room for individual deviations. When it became known that Augusta Torsdotter's daughter Elsa-Carolina was illegitimate, the course of both of their lives irrevokably changed. As an adult, Elsa-Carolina immigrated to America, turning her back on the past. It wasn't until three-quarters of a century later, at the age of 94, that she returned to Sweden, to come to terms with her girlhood. "The harshness of Swedish peasant life and landscape is beautifully chronicled in Judit Martin's novel. Her knowledge of the culture, customs, work, superstitions, and attitudes of the day opens up that world for those of us seeking to know our Swedish ancestors." —Joan Morrison Granddaughter of Swedish immigrants Charleston, Maine ===================== "Wonderful and evocative! A captivating and enlightening read!" —Mr. Jan Smedh Bookseller The English Bookshop Upsala & Stockholm, Sweden This book is intended for mature audiences.

238 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2012

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swedish Country Life

If you are a genealogist, any level, you’ll enjoy this fictionalization of Swedish life. Mid-19th century comes alive though the story of Elsa-Carolina and her mother Augusta.

[Kay C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in the mid-1800's could definitely be harsh for the middle and lower classes of Sweden society. Augusta's Daughter, Elsa-Carolina, endured a difficult life and barely survived. The controls wielded by the Lutheran church were oppressive. Elsa-Carolina emigrated to America with an unrelated family who took her under their wing. We don't know much about her American life other than she was able to come back to Sweden and reconcile her childhood. I really enjoyed. As a researcher of my Swedish heritage, I found many of the descriptions of customs, religious practices, housing and work situations, food/clothing/shoes scarcity, and lack of medical care and hygiene, to be disturbing and eye opening. I highly recommend this fictitious - but research based - story for anyone interested in how their ancestors might have lived during these times. It was hard to put down. I understand even better why people left their homeland for perceived better opportunities in America.

[Patrice Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially read Augusta's Daughter to find out more about Sweden in the 19th century as my grandmother b. 1891 immigrated to the US in 1910. Whereas some reviewers felt the historical and cultural aspect bogged the story down, I found it fascinating and informative. The bonus was the great story within; it was compelling. Ms. Martin paints a vivid picture of the peasant life by creating engaging characters in grim and challenging situations. My only criticism was the last few chapters seemed rushed. I would have liked to see them fleshed out a bit more. Nonetheless, a worthwhile read. As an aside, I realized after I read the book that my grandmother WAS Augusta's daughter as that was her mother's name.

[John M. Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great glimpse

All of my grandparents immigrated from Sweden. My great grandparents were born around the same time as Augusta. My fathers family were tenant farmers on a great estate. This book gave me a clear picture of what life was like in the mid 1800's. Thankfully non of my ancestors had illegitimate children.

[Karin Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Martin presented an accurate portrayal of life in Sweden. No wonder many immigrated! I saw a lot of my family's characteristics in the people of the story. I can understand why my great-grandfather immigrated for religious freedom.

[Jea7coramdeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting but depressing. Explained a lot about Swedish customs, superstitions and relationships☕️ They talk in 3rd person, which is interesting. Glad I read it but wouldn’t read it again unless for some reference.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting portrayal of peasant life in Sweden during the 1800s. However, I felt like much of the book read like non-fiction research report with a narrative holding it together. I am interested in reading the sequel.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Moving story of what life was like in the 1800s Sweden. Well worth reading. Well written. Offers a glimpse into lives of poor women.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of like a scandinavian Memoirs of a Geisha

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. All 4 of my grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century from Sweden. I have done fairly extensive genealogy research on all 4 of them. This book, although sometimes depressing, gave me a deeper insight about rural life at the time. I would recommend this book to anyone of Swedish heritage who is interested in their history. I will soon be starting the next book Augusta’s Granddaughter.