2026-02-18 – February Bokprat: The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlof (Online)
Schedule:
February 18 (7:00-8:15 pm CT)
Location:
This is an online class hosted on Zoom.
Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College's Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a monthly bokprat, discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. Join us in February for a discussion of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlof.
In The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, a classic Swedish tale, mischievous farm boy Nils Holgersson is shrunk to a tiny size by an elf as punishment for his laziness and cruelty toward animals. Unable to live as before, Nils finds himself swept away on the back of a farm goose, joining a flock of wild geese migrating across Sweden.
During the journey, Nils travels over lakes, forests, mountains, and towns, seeing the beauty of Sweden from above. Along the way, he learns kindness, courage, and responsibility, helping animals and people he meets. By the time the migration ends, Nils has grown in character as much as he hopes to grow back to his normal size, discovering the value of empathy, respect, and home.
Supplies:
Registrants should secure their own copy of the book (available for purchase soon through the Vesterheim Museum Store) and have read it prior to the discussion.
Students will need to provide a computer, laptop, or tablet with a camera and mic as well as a fast, reliable internet connection.
Special Instructions:
When registering for the class, please make sure to use the mailing and email addresses you'd like the Zoom meeting invitations sent to. You will receive links to the Zoom sessions by email sometime during the week prior to the class. If this class is a gift, please sign up with the recipient's mailing and email addresses or be prepared to forward the kit and all communications.
Enrollment Deadline:
February 4, 2026