This book is considered the most popular Norwegian-American novel, and the publication of this edition makes it available in English for only the second time. First written in 1884 in America by Norwegian immigrant H.A. Foss, this book has enjoyed great popularity among Norwegians, as evidenced by the 16 editions that have been published in Norwegian. It tells the story of Ole Haugen, the son of the poor cotter (farm workers who lived in the small cottages on large European farms) and the love that develops between him and Marie Hovland, the daughter of the owner of the large farm. Class differences are evident in her father's discouragement of their relationship, and Ole emigrates to America to make some money and become financially stable to look better in the eyes of Marie's father. Many adventures await Ole during this three years living in Wisconsin and Chicago. But after some successful business ventures, Ole returns to Norway to once again seek the hand of his beloved Marie.
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About the Author
H.A. Foss was born in Norway and emigrated to America when he was in his mid-20s. He lived in North Dakota's Red River Valley, Minnesota and Wisconsin before setting in Minot, North Dakota for the last 22 years of his life. "Husmannsgutten -- The Cotter's Son" was the first of six novels Foss wrote in his lifetime. Because he himself was the son of a cotter, Foss's story about Ole and Marie is considered one of the most accurate depictions of this lifestyle that prevailed throughout Europe until the late 1800s.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
For its simplicity, it's very interesting and captivating!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Cotter's Son: A Story from Sigdal (Paperback)
I see that this book is not very popular, but that should not be the case! When i first flipped through the book, i thought "oh goodness, another one of these" - For it's about 2 kids (a girl and a boy) who grow up together and become very good friends and of course, fall in love, but the girl's father doesn't approve because they are of different economic class. But actually, this book is interesting! The wording is very different from what is in common books published, because it's a translation. But even the wording becomes attractive. The book is longer than it seems, even with huge font. Ole, the boy, is brought up poor, and eventually leaves to America to try and prosper. Meanwhile, Marie, the girl, stays in Norway and suffers from her Father's emotional abuse. In the end, this book is an adventure, and you completely sympathize with, and begin to love the characters!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Cotter's Son: A Story from Sigdal,
By Deb Nelson Gourley "Astri My Astri Publishing" (Waukon, IA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Cotter's Son: A Story from Sigdal (Paperback)
The Cotter's Son: A Story from Sigdal
By H. A. Foss Translated by Joel G. Winkjer One of Norway's greatest literary successes, The Cotter's Son (English translation of Husmannsgutten: En Fortelling Fra Sigdal) is considered to be the most popular Norwegian-American novel. Published by Smoky Water Press 344 pages, softcover One of Norway's greatest literary successes, The Cotter's Son (English translation of Husmannsgutten: En Fortelling Fra Sigdal) is considered to be the most popular Norwegian-American novel. Author H. A. Foss, himself a cotter's son, immigrated to the Upper Midwest in 1877 at the age of 26. In 1884 he wrote his first novel, Hussmannsgutten ?The Cotter's Son, which was serialized in the Decorah, Iowa, Norwegian language newspaper, Decorah Posten. An instant sensation, the story increased subscriptions to the struggling newspaper by thousands, placing it on firm financial ground. Sixteen editions of this book have been printed in Norwegian, attesting to its enduring appeal The English translation was first published in 1963, and now a new generation will experience the adversities and adventures of Ole Haugen, the poor cotter's son, and Marie Hovland, the rich farmer's daughter. This story is as endearing today as it was a century ago.
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