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mythlover
Posted May 17, 2009
The Swedish Gypsy
Mary Paulson's The Swedish Gypsy made me salivate. The Swedish Christmas Eve feast in turn-of-the-century Stockholm made me long for late 19th century Swedish cuisine. Paulson writes: "Then came the Julinska hame: salt-cured, boiled with sausage; it had been left overnight in the broth in a cold place. In the morning it was taken from the liquid, dried, coated with egg and mustard, sprinkled with breadcrumbs and baked at a high temperature for a short time" (25).This historical novel is rich in Swedish customs, such as the "dipping in the kettle" on Yuletide.
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The Swedish Gypsy also presents the culture of the Swedish gypsies, as well as illustrates the prejudice and fear of the rural and urban Swedes towards the Rom. I was particularly struck with the gender issues, particularly the misogyny toward female gypsies. When giving birth, certain "rules" applied. "Women were considered mahrine during childbirth and for a period of six weeks afterwards. They remained isolated from the camp and their husbands. Birthing polluted men." When Rosa births twins, she keeps the first boy, and at her consent, the second boy is given to her husband's brother to raise. "Twins were bad luck to the Rom" (110).
The politics of Sweden during the early 20th century is prevalent in The Swedish Gypsy. Paulson notes that "The 1909 general strike in Sweden was long, one of the longest in the world. For almost five weeks the entire industrial population and most of the local transportation system had stopped. Practically 300,000 laborers had joined the strike" (174). The ripple effect of this strike affects the Swedes, particularly one of the main characters, Fredrik, his wife Amalia, and two-year-old daughter, Lenore.
The Swedish Gypsy has a great love story as well as excellent historical and social context. I heartily recommend this book. -
A fascinating look at some little known history
Mary Paulson has written an outstanding story that will enthrall any lover of history. I've read extensively about the European Gypsy, but knew little of those in Sweden. Her mention of the food made me hungry, her writing of the labor strife made me yearn for more information about the political climate of the times, and Fredrik's urgent migration to America made me wonder how many others arrived on America's shores for similar reasons. Linda Thompson, host of AuthorsWebTV.com recommends The Swedish Gypsy as a fascinating and educational book for all.
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Alice-G
Posted February 10, 2009
A fun read!
The author takes take us through the life and culture of Lilly, the gypsy woman, who struggles to find and catch her true love. It includes historical facts during that time frame, as well as the traditions and rituals of the gypsy people. It was a fun book to read.
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Dijk
Posted February 9, 2009
Swedish intrigue and Gypsy passion
I loved this book. It is a wonderful story filled with love, lust and ambition - intertwined with an in depth look at both traditional Swedish and gypsy cultures during turn of the century Sweden. While the historical references are spot on, the real winner is the story. A fun read for fans of history and love alike. Enjoy!
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