Tomten

By Viktor Rydberg, Georgia Stylou (Illustrator), Spencer Harden (Translator)

An old friend ponders life's mysteries during a winter visit.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,050 ratings

48 pages· 521 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

In the heart of winter, an old friend returns to a quiet farmhouse, tending to animals and pondering life's eternal questions. As he follows his familiar routine, he is haunted by the mystery of where generations come from and where they go. This enchanting tale, a new translation of Viktor Rydberg's classic poem, invites readers to explore the passage of time and the meaning of life. Amidst the serene winter landscape, the story unfolds, blending the warmth of tradition with the chill of existential wonder, leaving readers to ponder the mysteries that linger in the night.

From the publisher

In the middle of winter and late at night, an old friend returns for his annual visit to take care of the animals and look after the inhabitants of the old farmhouse. He goes through his regular routine but becomes perplexed by an undying question for which he cannot find the answer. Generations come and generations go. “But where do they come from and to where do they go?”This is a new translation of the original poem written in Swedish. It is similar to but should not be confused with Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren’s adaptation entitled “The Tomten.” Also known as “Midvinternattens Köld är Hård” (Midwinter Night’s Cold Is Hard), the original poem was written in Swedish by Viktor Rydberg and first published in the magazine “Ny Illustrerad Tidning” in 1881. While outwardly being an idyllic Christmas poem, the poem asks deep questions about the passage of time and the meaning of life.

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