Old Lady Number 31 By: Louise Forsslund (1873-1910)
Louise Forsslund's "Old Lady Number 31" is a captivating and deeply moving tale that transports readers to the tumultuous yet resilient world of early 20th-century Sweden. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, this historical fiction novel delicately weaves together themes of love, family, and the power of friendship. The story follows the life of Agnes, affectionately known as Old Lady Number 31, as she navigates the complex dynamics of a small village. Agnes is an elderly woman whose heartwarming encounters and poignant interactions with the people around her form the core of the narrative. Forsslund's meticulous attention to detail brings the setting alive, allowing readers to vividly visualize the quaint streets, vibrant countryside, and the charming characters that inhabit them. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for a time long gone. Forsslund seamlessly captures the essence of early 20th-century Sweden, portraying the simplicity and traditions of a bygone era. Through her captivating prose, the author effortlessly transports readers to a world where values such as community, kindness, and mutual support were paramount. The character development in "Old Lady Number 31" is exceptional. Agnes, in particular, is a remarkable protagonist who defies societal expectations of age and gender. She is a symbol of resilience and strength, facing challenges head-on with grace and determination. With each page, readers are given glimpses into the complexities of her inner world, cultivating a sense of empathy and understanding that is deeply touching. Furthermore, the novel explores profound themes such as the fragility of life, the inevitability of change, and the power of human connection. Forsslund's exploration of these universal truths is both poignant and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The pacing of the story is carefully balanced, with each chapter offering gradual revelations that build up to a satisfying climax. However, at certain points, the narrative tends to meander, leading to occasional lulls in the overall momentum. Despite this minor flaw, Forsslund's writing style is elegant, compelling, and imbued with a sense of authenticity that truly transports readers into the heart of the story. In conclusion, "Old Lady Number 31" by Louise Forsslund is a remarkable historical fiction novel that seamlessly intertwines heartwarming storytelling with the social fabric of a bygone era. Forsslund's ability to create relatable characters within a vividly depicted setting demonstrates her mastery of the genre. This book is sure to captivate readers who appreciate rich historical detail, emotionally evocative narratives, and thought-provoking themes. First Page: OLD LADY NUMBER 31 BY LOUISE FORSSLUND AUTHOR OF "THE STORY OF SARAH," "THE SHIP OF DREAMS," ETC. 1909 TO MY MOTHER CONTENTS I. THE TEA TABLE II. "GOOD BY" III. THE CANDIDATE IV. ONE OF THEM V. THE HEAD OF THE CORNER VI. INDIAN SUMMER VII. OLD LETTERS AND NEW VIII. THE ANNIVERSARY IX. A WINTER BUTTERFLY X. THE TURN OF THE TIDE XI. MENTAL TREATMENT XII. "A PASSEL OF MEDDLERS" XIII. THE PRODIGAL'S DEPARTURE XIV. CUTTING THE APRON STRINGS XV. THE "HARDENING" PROCESS XVI. "A REG'LAR HOSS" XVII. THE DESERTER XVIII. SAMUEL'S WELCOME XIX. EXCHANGING THE OLIVE BRANCH XX. THE FATTED CALF XXI. "OUR BELOVED BROTHER" I THE TEA TABLE Angeline's slender, wiry form and small, glossy gray head bent over the squat brown tea pot as she shook out the last bit of leaf from the canister. The canister was no longer hers, neither the tea pot, nor even the battered old pewter spoon with which she tapped the bottom of the tin to dislodge the last flicker of tea leaf dust. The three had been sold at auction that day in response to the auctioneer's inquiry, "What am I bid for the lot?" Nothing in the familiar old kitchen was hers, Angeline reflected, except Abraham, her aged husband, who was taking his last gentle ride in the old rocking chair the old arm chair with painted roses blooming as brilliantly across its back as they had bloomed when the chair was first purchased forty years ago... Continue reading book >>

Old Lady Number 31 By: Louise Forsslund (1873-1910)

Louise Forsslund's "Old Lady Number 31" is a captivating and deeply moving tale that transports readers to the tumultuous yet resilient world of early 20th-century Sweden. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, this historical fiction novel delicately weaves together themes of love, family, and the power of friendship.

The story follows the life of Agnes, affectionately known as Old Lady Number 31, as she navigates the complex dynamics of a small village. Agnes is an elderly woman whose heartwarming encounters and poignant interactions with the people around her form the core of the narrative. Forsslund's meticulous attention to detail brings the setting alive, allowing readers to vividly visualize the quaint streets, vibrant countryside, and the charming characters that inhabit them.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for a time long gone. Forsslund seamlessly captures the essence of early 20th-century Sweden, portraying the simplicity and traditions of a bygone era. Through her captivating prose, the author effortlessly transports readers to a world where values such as community, kindness, and mutual support were paramount.

The character development in "Old Lady Number 31" is exceptional. Agnes, in particular, is a remarkable protagonist who defies societal expectations of age and gender. She is a symbol of resilience and strength, facing challenges head-on with grace and determination. With each page, readers are given glimpses into the complexities of her inner world, cultivating a sense of empathy and understanding that is deeply touching.

Furthermore, the novel explores profound themes such as the fragility of life, the inevitability of change, and the power of human connection. Forsslund's exploration of these universal truths is both poignant and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.

The pacing of the story is carefully balanced, with each chapter offering gradual revelations that build up to a satisfying climax. However, at certain points, the narrative tends to meander, leading to occasional lulls in the overall momentum. Despite this minor flaw, Forsslund's writing style is elegant, compelling, and imbued with a sense of authenticity that truly transports readers into the heart of the story.

In conclusion, "Old Lady Number 31" by Louise Forsslund is a remarkable historical fiction novel that seamlessly intertwines heartwarming storytelling with the social fabric of a bygone era. Forsslund's ability to create relatable characters within a vividly depicted setting demonstrates her mastery of the genre. This book is sure to captivate readers who appreciate rich historical detail, emotionally evocative narratives, and thought-provoking themes.

First Page:

OLD LADY NUMBER 31

BY LOUISE FORSSLUND

AUTHOR OF "THE STORY OF SARAH," "THE SHIP OF DREAMS," ETC.

1909

TO MY MOTHER

CONTENTS

I. THE TEA TABLE

II. "GOOD BY"

III. THE CANDIDATE

IV. ONE OF THEM

V. THE HEAD OF THE CORNER

VI. INDIAN SUMMER

VII. OLD LETTERS AND NEW

VIII. THE ANNIVERSARY

IX. A WINTER BUTTERFLY

X. THE TURN OF THE TIDE

XI. MENTAL TREATMENT

XII. "A PASSEL OF MEDDLERS"

XIII. THE PRODIGAL'S DEPARTURE

XIV. CUTTING THE APRON STRINGS

XV. THE "HARDENING" PROCESS

XVI. "A REG'LAR HOSS"

XVII. THE DESERTER

XVIII. SAMUEL'S WELCOME

XIX. EXCHANGING THE OLIVE BRANCH

XX. THE FATTED CALF

XXI. "OUR BELOVED BROTHER"

THE TEA TABLE

Angeline's slender, wiry form and small, glossy gray head bent over the squat brown tea pot as she shook out the last bit of leaf from the canister. The canister was no longer hers, neither the tea pot, nor even the battered old pewter spoon with which she tapped the bottom of the tin to dislodge the last flicker of tea leaf dust. The three had been sold at auction that day in response to the auctioneer's inquiry, "What am I bid for the lot?"

Nothing in the familiar old kitchen was hers, Angeline reflected, except Abraham, her aged husband, who was taking his last gentle ride in the old rocking chair the old arm chair with painted roses blooming as brilliantly across its back as they had bloomed when the chair was first purchased forty years ago... Continue reading book >>

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