Summary of The People of Hemsö
In August Strindberg’s novel “The People of Hemsö”, Madam Flood, a widow, employs a man called Johannes Carlsson to run her farm on the island of Hemsö. As a newcomer on the island, Carlsson is met with suspicion from the local residents, who fear he may be exploiting the widow.
Reasons to read The People of Hemsö
“The People of Hemsö” is both a tragic and humorous portrayal of life on a Swedish island, with vivid descriptions of the natural environment and local customs. August Strindberg is widely regarded as one of Sweden’s greatest writers of all time. The August Prize (Augustpriset), Sweden’s most important literary award, is named in his honour. Other notable books by August Strindberg include “The Red Room” and “Inferno”. Strindberg was also a great playwright.
Setting: Kymmendö (Sweden)
Book set in Sweden: Kymmendö (Hemsö is a fictional island inspired by Kymmendö in the Stockholm archipelago).
Original title: Hemsöborna
Year of publication: 1887
Nr of pages: 168
