Kristine, Finding Home: Norway to America

by Aleta Chossek

Overview

Kristine, Finding Home: Norway to America is the story of Kristine Kristiansen Hjelmeland, a young woman born and raised in Førde, Norway, and her journey from sheltered maiden aunt, to mother, to leader within her new American community. Her captivating narrative explores the powerful themes of belonging, ambition, and hope within the context of a family love story. Based on letters and reports, photographs, and oral history, this story is written for Kristine's descendants and in honor of all those who have the courage to change their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781645384601
Publisher:	Orange Hat Publishing
Publication date:	11/09/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Aleta Chossek is a storyteller at heart. Participating in writing workshops with Redbird Studios and Red Oak Roundtables, she writes personal essays and family stories. A wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Aleta has connected in new ways with friends and family members through her writing. Travel, friends, growing grandchildren, local advocacy, her faith community, and a global partnership with Meru, Tanzania fill her days. She writes, lives, and loves in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can read more about her at www.aletachossek.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Chapter One: Everyday Dreams

Chapter Two: Ekte Norsk Wife

Chapter Three: From This Day Forward

Chapter Four: Home Birth

Chapter Five: For Everything there is a Season!

Chapter Six: A New Life

Chapter Seven: First Impressions

Chapter Eight: Making a Home. Day to Day.

Chapter Nine: Poot Rohst

Chapter Ten: Christmas in America

Chapter Eleven: No Home Without Children

Chapter Twelve: Førde Calling

Chapter Thirteen: We Are Getting Along

Chapter Fourteen: The Bergensfjord Again

Chapter Fifteen: Førde at Last

Chapter Sixteen: Storehesten, Big Horse Mountain

Chapter Seventeen: Another New Place

Chapter Eighteen: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times

Chapter Nineteen: Where Do We Belong?

Chapter Twenty: How Much is Enough?

Chapter Twenty-One: Home: An Unfinished Story

Afterword

Norwegian-to-English Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"There are books you can nestle into and feel like part of the family. Kristine, Finding Home is one of those. From beginning to end, I was Kristine's little sister, listening to her, admiring her, sticking up for her at each turn of her fascinating life. From Norway to Illinois, Kristine's story captivates. It is a pleasure to read."

- Judy Bridges, author of Shut Up & Write!

"Kristine, Finding Home is a story about resilience and dignity in the face of monumental life challenges. Immigration, the Great Depression, and assimilation compelled Kristine and Fredrik to cherish Norwegian culture while ultimately embracing American citizenship and all that it offered. An entertaining and inspiring read."

- Richard Staff, RN, MSW, Norwegian American Musician

"I have heard stories about Kristine and her journey to the United States since I was a child, and my grandmother told me stories of her aunt who had left Førde to join Fredrik in the U.S. Human migration is not a new thing. This story that started more than 100 years ago in Norway might not be that different from the stories we see on the news every night."

- Olaug Marie Reiakvam, MD, Oslo, Norway

From the Publisher