Moving from
Norway to Minnesota in 1909 is dauntingly life-changing, but with opportunities
scarce in Norway and Rune Carlson’s uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them
money for passage to America, it seems the most viable option. Still, Signe
Carlson hesitates to leave home, especially as she suspects she is pregnant
with the couple’s fourth child after multiple miscarriages. But Einar has
promised them land of their own, something they’d never be able to afford in
Norway.
Rune and Signe, with their three
sons Bjorn, Knute and Leif, travel to Minnesota. They are no strangers to hard
work, but Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are a very demanding and seemingly callous couple.
Einar, Rune and Bjorn make it a daily task to fell trees, while Signe has the unenviable
task of getting a house back in shape after months of neglect with Gerd fallen
ill. As Einar’s demands and his expectations put someone she loves in striking
distance of grave danger, Signe’s faith wobbles. Rune is there to encourage her
faith as he keeps his. Can Signe find the fortitude she needs to help lead her
family and protect them in this new land?
I have not read many books by
Lauraine Snelling, but I was first drawn to this story when I read that the
characters emigrate from Norway to Minnesota. It reminded me of American Girl
character Kirsten Larson. “The Promise of Dawn” did not disappoint. It is clear
that Snelling has put in a great deal of historical research. Reading the story
was an immersive experience. It was also emotional, as I’d have strong feelings
toward Einar’s treatment of, well, everyone, and Gerd’s apparent
dissatisfaction of everything. The amount of love Signe and Rune have for their
family is astounding, but their lifestyle in Minnesota isn’t just honest hard
work. The environment they’re in is toxic, and I’m not talking environmentally.
Patience is a virtue oft-displayed by the Carlson family. They also show us
what hard work is and what it means to endure. I was wrapped up in this book
and look forward to reading the next installments in the Under Northern Skies series.