Treasure

fiction, drama, history · EN

Selma Lagerlf, born in Vrmland, Sweden, in 1858, was a celebrated writer whose literary prowess earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. She passed away in her hometown in 1940. The Treasure (originally Herr Arnes penningar) is a captivating blend of drama and ghost story, first published in 1904, with its English translation appearing in 1923. Set against the haunting backdrop of Bohusln on Swedens West coast during the mid-16th Century, the tale unfolds as Herr Arne, the old Parson of Solberga, and his entire household are brutally murdered, leaving only the orphaned foster daughter, Elsalill, alive. Burdened by the need for vengeance, Elsalill finds herself in a complicated web of love and betrayal when she falls for one of the murderers. Another key figure is Torarin, an elderly fish hawker who takes Elsalill in after the tragedy, accompanied by his loyal dog Grim and Elsalills deceased foster sister. (Summary by Lars Rolander)