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An intimate and tragic tale of first love, coming of age, and the conflict between youthful freedom and societal norms, One Summer Dance remains a powerful story of love and loss that resonates with readers today.
The main character, Goran Stendahl, a nineteen-year-old student from the city, comes to spend his summer vacation in the countryside with his uncle Anders. At first, he is bored, but soon becomes enchanted by nature and the simple country life. During his stay, he meets seventeen-year-old Kerstin, a girl from a nearby farm. Their love blossoms despite the opposition of Kerstin's parents and the strict village priest, who consider their relationship immoral.
The novel explores themes of love, freedom, and social constraints, showing how passionate young love can be stifled by conservative norms. Goran and Kerstin decide to defy social expectations, but their happiness is short-lived. A tragic event ends their love, leaving Goran to face the consequences and accusations of the community.
Published in 1949 under the original title Sommardansen, the novel has achieved cult status and was adapted into the award-winning film Hon dansade en sommar (One Summer of Happiness) in 1951, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale.
Two copies are available
