Sakurambotachi no Shinawase no Oka (Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd. 2007)
Original title: KERSTIN OCH JAG
*first published in 1945
Author: Astrid Lindgren
Translator: Toshiko Ishii
I have read many of Lindgren’s books, but this one, first translated into Japanese in 2007, was unknown to me until recently.
It describes the life of twin sisters and their parents on a farm from early summer to September.
Swedish summer scenery, the Midnight Sun festival, flowers, lakes, saunas, interaction with the village youth, and crayfish party (that reminds me of the scene from the movie Alla vi barn i Bullerbyn) in the book are so fascinating.
The book conveys the principle of life: the importance of being a dependable worker and working, but also the importance of resting well and enjoying everyday life.
Barbro, the narrator of the book, is full of humor and fun, which makes the book very charming.
And it was a perfect book to read in summer, which is the season in the book.
The book is said to be based on Lindgren’s childhood experiences growing up on a farm, and I think her childhood memories are deeply ingrained in her, which shows she is a born storyteller.
(I remember that Laura’s father, in anticipation of Laura’s descriptive ability, told her to become Mary’s eyes.)
(Finish reading: 8/24/2024)
