A little while ago I read the Swedish classic Jerusalem. It is a book written by Selma Lagerlöf, who is considered by a great number of people to be  Sweden’s best author. And I would probably have to agree with them. She is, or was I should say, a wonderful story teller! She really knew how to tell a story, and she combines the story she is telling (or writing) with legends from different areas in Sweden.

Of course she is very famous here in Sweden, but not only here. Most of her works have been translated into many, many different languages and have been read by people all over the world.

This book that I read is considered to be one of her greatest works. It is a novel set in the 19th century both in Dalarna in Sweden and Jerusalem. The story tells us about a group of people from this village in Dalarna who feel themselves called on by God to leave their homes and journey the long road down to the holy city of Jerusalem. In the first half of the book you get to follow their lives in Sweden, find out about the different characters and their not always uncomplicated relationships with each others. And see what it is that makes them decide to leave. The second half takes place mostly in Jerusalem, but it also tells some about the people who didn’t go.

It is a beautiful story, full of strong feelings and emotions. I didn’t know for sure really what to expect when I began reading it, but I loved it!

I knew there was a new film adaptation made out of it, and I’ve been wanting to see it ever since I finished the book. But it has been very hard to get hold of for some reason. But now, a couple of days ago as I went to the library to borrow something I saw it! There on the shelf it was; the film. I was so excited that I would finally get to watch it! And yesterday evening all my family sat down to do that.

I’m happy to report that I wasn’t disappointed! They had followed the book very closely and I thought all the actors did a beautiful job at portraying the different characters.

It was a very Swedish film! That is something we have noticed of late when we have been watching any Swedish films; how very Swedish they really are!  Now what is it that makes them Swedish? Well, first of all the dialog! The dialog is very, how shall I say… economical. They don’t speak unless it’s absolutley necessary to do so. If a simple nod of the head would suffice why trouble yourself with speaking? When they do say something however they are always very straight to the point. Consequently there can often be several minutes without anyone uttering a single word. Now I know, it sounds bad, but really it isn’t! It is very Swedish!

Apart from the dialog though (or maybe lack of dialog would be a better way to put it) another thing you often get in Swedish films is a lot of nature shots. We do love our nature here in Sweden!

The film was very good anyway, and, it did have some gorgeous costumes in it! Here for example is a coat that I found absolutley beautiful! I want a coat like that!

If you are interested in the book you can find it HERE in my store. You will have to click on the category called Other Great Classics in the sidebar, and there you shall be able to find it. I do recommend it! And by the way, this one is in English.