Until We Reach Home

Fresh Off The Boat

This story follows three sisters who emigrate from Sweden to the U.S., dreaming of a better life. Their voyage and time on Ellis Island was difficult, as were the circumstances once they arrived at their uncle's home. Each of the sisters have secrets, good and bad, that they keep from the others. Their selfless concern for each other leads to difficult decisions.
They all grow and change during the process, and you see how hard it was for those "fresh-off-the-boat".
The love story between Sophie and Ludwig is especially sweet, since they didn't speak the same language and would communicate through signs, songs and Scripture. Ludwig would find a verse in his German Bible, give her the reference, and Sophie would find it in her Swedish Bible. He was able to declare his love for her by using Song of Solomon.
Lynn Austin's books are always a good read, and an interesting way to learn about a historical period or a particular culture. I saw many similiarites between the Swedish and the Finnish culture.