The Desire for a Better Life

The desire for a better life is the theme that drives this story. Karl Oskar and Kristina are living in Sweden near their families when they make the decision to move to America. Their decision, while not thoroughly discussed in this book of the series, is apparently based on the fact that the family life is difficult with few options available in Sweden. When Kristina is bemoaning the fact that the family does not have a cow in America so that the children can have fresh milk, Karl Oskar points out that they had a cow in Sweden but struggled to feed her. He points out the hay that is growing on their property when he first selects it is proof that they will eventually be able to feed an entire herd of cows. This desire is shared by others in the group...