First published in English in 1954, this novel opens in 1850 as a party of immigrants from Smaland, a province in Sweden, arrive in New York City. Their journey to a new home in Minnesota Territory takes them by river boat, steam wagon, Great Lakes steamship, and ox cart to Chisago County. Their life as farmers is difficult, but the kindness of friends, both American and Swedish, help to make it more bearable.