Honoring Anna

Honoring Anna #1

by Douglas Hoff

Even at the tender age of nine, Anna Ingevich knows her life will never be the same when her mom, Karin, dies at the age of thirty. Anna's father, Bjorn, is a hard man-but that is what living in Norway requires. Life does not get any easier for her when he marries Marion, who already has three children of her own. As the days go on, she begins to ask herself one question, over and over: "How do I escape Norway and get to America?" Iver Olson loves his family in Norway, but as a boy at the docks, he begins to hear about a faraway paradise called America. A land of milk and honey, they say, where farm ground was so abundant that the government just gave it away. He knows he must go there. Rasmus Johnson was born to love wood and to create not just homes or pieces of furniture, but works of art and family heirlooms. As a young man, he falls in love with his childhood friend and sweetheart, and tells her of his dream to start a new life in America. Follow three Norwegian immigrants circa 1900 on their journeys of love, courage, and honor in Honoring Anna.

260 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2018

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is bases on the really life of Anna and Iver. They came to America from Norway ,separately and meet in South Dakota. The story of their trip on the ship and how they both got to South Dakota. It was interesting to read about what they went through on the ship and their live on the Prairie. The book had a hopeful outlook even though they really had a hard life with lots of work.

[Helen Gaye Brewster · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is based on a real-life story of the author’s wife’s ancestors in the early 1900’s. I initially took the book’s title to mean it was written to honor Anna’s life but by the end I saw that it could also mean the honorable behavior of these immigrants, and one in particular who honors a promise to Anna.

It tells about Anna, who loses her mother at a young age and emigrates to America from Norway all alone after her father remarries. Along the way she meets other Norwegian immigrants and they all help each other as they make their homes in America. It’s a sweet story about community and perseverance in the face of difficulty. It’s also a love story as Anna meets a young Norwegian man and they decide to marry. But fate changes their plans and Anna moves forward alone to build her life in South Dakota. But eventually love comes her way again.

The story is good and I learned a lot about Norwegian immigration in the early 1900’s. It seems to be written for a young reader and would be great for an adolescent or even a pre-adolescent who’s a good reader and loves history. I enjoyed it as an adult and even though it told Anna’s story well it lacked emotional depth and the dialogue seemed more suited for a young audience. But none of that stopped me from reading it. If you like history you’ll enjoy it even as an adult.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Norwegian immigrants and their new life in America, and knowing this story is based on real people makes it even more special. Definitely want to read the next book about Anna!

[Denis Winsness · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a descendant of Norwegian, and Swedish immigrants of the same time period, it was wonderful reading and I highly recommend it!

[Robb Rasmussen]

nice homage to emigration from Norway to the wild west of South Dakota. well written.
Everything went well.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible true life voyage and story of Anna's travels from Norway to America. I am so excited to read book 2 the winds of time to see how her life unfolds. I had the great honor of meeting the author of these 2 books and the passion he held for writing this history of his wife's grandmother and her story.

[Dolores Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!!!!!
I highly recommend reading this book. An author from my home state that even lives close to my home. This is a journey of his wife's grandmother from Norway to South Dakota. All the work and hardships they endured and came out on top. A truly inspired book.

[Tristen Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good true story about a woman who came to South Dakota from Norway, and her adventures while getting here? A fee grammar/spelling errors here and there, but over all a very good story.

[Betty Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Looking forward to reading the sequel. Such an inspiration in this tumultuous 2020.

[Lanna Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dakota's

This book makes me very proud to have raised my Norwegian children in Spearfish, South Dakota. We are continuing the work ethic of these characters.

[LaVonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting! However, I think it is written more for adolescents.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoring Anna – Historical Novel – Published 2018 - **** - This book was so relatable to my own ancestors that immigrated to America from Norway and Sweeden. Hoff makes the story of these hardy people come alive with their struggles and everyday lives. Anna is a story of perseverance in the face of unknowns – new language, new country, new lifestyle, riding horses, shooting guns, scaring off wolves, breaking broncs, conquering New York restaurants. And of course a love affair. The book has it all. Historical novels are not my normal reading fare, but this was a worthwhile diversion.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much! My dad got it for me and finished the first and second book. It was a little sad and almost made me get teary eyes. It was probably one of the best books I have ever read. I read a lot of books! It is very educational if you want to learn about South Dakota weather. I learned more about what it took to travel across an ocean in a boat crowded with people who could be sick. I enjoyed this book and you should too.

[Janet Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased this book when I visited South Dakota in Sept of 2021. I was unaware of the Norwegian population that immigrated to this area. I like the fact that it was based on a true story it is a good story, simply told, and appropriate for all ages.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle read. Based on the real life of the author's wife's Norwegian immigrant grandmother, Anna, in the early 1900s.

From the author, Doug Hoff: Every decision in life that we make, no matter how small it may seem at the time, can alter history in many unseen ways.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you can't put down

This book took me back to my childhood..my grandparents would tell of the ships coming through Ellis Island..the days of the Pioneer people..and of course the town's of Buffalo, Reva, Bison..the area in which I grew up..very good read..

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Niece-in-law gave this to my sister as a gift. The niece's family lives in Spearfish. My sister encouraged me to read it. The story is historic and shows what immigrants went through to live in the United States.

[Alexw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tale of pioneer's struggles on the unforgiving prairie.

[Karla Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for anyone with an interest in early South Dakota and the immigrants who risked their very lives to settle it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of an amazing woman who immigrated to the United States legally and followed her dreams. She is an inspiration to all.

[Tammy Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent true story of Norwegian immigrants who came to South Dakota in the 1920s

[larry l. jerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book from a Norwegian friend. I love the fact that it is a true story. I'm from South Dakota and own prairie land.

[Jodi Weelborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I love the story and love that it’s local. It just moved a little bit slow for me. The last two chapters were the best. I’m glad I made it to the end, but not sure on the second book.

[Charles Lovelace, III · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my interest and kept me enthralled throughout. Just when you think it's going on way, it will change. Now on to part 2.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

A story of hard working Norwegians with a happy ending. Good for the soul. It mirrors the story of my ancestors.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love that this is based off the author’s family!! I learned so much about ranching!

[Kathy Dagg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book since I bought it from the author in South Dakota where this story took place...Anna was his wife's grandmother. However, the writing was very simple and too straightforward. I was sick of hearing how beautiful and good Anna was and everyone she met. I can't believe that part was always true. Some typos with editing are needed. Still glad I purchased it for all the history of that beautiful part of our country and the trials of Norwegian immigrants.

[Dolores Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding