Anna Hansdatter: Hunger In the Dale

Welcome to Anna Larsdatter! It is my first attempt at fiction writing, ambitious though it may be. Once I began writing, the story took on a life and momentum of its own; it now looks like it may end up as a full-length novel, or more.

Unlike the new genre of blog fiction,which is intended to “work” for a reader entering at any time, with little or no knowledge of preceding material, this is a “serial novel,” with a more conventional narrative structure, which is best read from the beginning. Fortunately, that is much more convenient now than in the days of Dickens, when a latecoming reader would have to find or acquire earlier hardcopy to catch up with the story.

I have completed the draft of “Part I: Flaate.” It consists of eight chapters, totaling about 80 pages of manuscript. See the sidebar to navigate to any of the chapters.

“Part II: Skurdal” is now posting, in twice-weekly episodes of about 500 words each. I am trying to fashion Part II so it will stand alone. I still recommend that you begin with part I, but if you wish, starting from the beginning of part II should be all right.

I welcome all comments and polite criticism. They may well have a strong influence on future installments, including those already drafted. If the critiques warrant, they may even result in upgrades to installments already posted. Please, no flaming or spamming.

The project began as a result of my research into the genealogy of my great-grandfather, Ole Larson, who immigrated from Norway in 1865. The research uncovered a few very tantalizing facts, which in turn suggested to me a compelling fictional narrative. Readers of my genealogy Web site www.olelarsonsfolks.net are well aware of the most striking among these facts: this ancestor was not born on a tenant farm (huusmansplass) named Skurdalshougen, as his mother and his six elder siblings were, but 150 miles away in Oslo prison. His mother (my great-great-grandmother) was serving an 8-month sentence there, convicted of stealing food for her large, impoverished family.

My story is built around central characters whose vital statistics (birth dates, places of residence, etc.) correspond roughly to those of my ancestors, in some cases. The names have been changed, but do bear a resemblance to their real names. A few historical characters and events have been researched and included in the story. The general outline and nearly all specific details of the plot are purely fictional.

So, happy reading! Please let me know what you think, early and often!