The Former World

A novel about love and independence in 19th century Denmark by award-winning author Barbara Sjoholm. The story of the sisters, Nik and Maj, begun in Fossil Island, continues in this equally engaging sequel. Now sixteen, Nik resumes her relationship with the passionate musician Carl Nielsen, who returns once more for a summer visit to her provincial village. Maj finds a teaching job, but her mother hasn't given up the idea her eldest daughter will marry and forget about her close friend Eva Sandström. Taking place over the course of two dramatic years, the sisters' lives will be utterly changed by love, heartbreak, illness, and death. A vivid portrait of two stubborn daughters who love their family, but yearn for freedom on their own terms.