Villa Svea

A gripping reality-based novel about integration and immigration about those who fled poor Sweden and built their own settlement in Argentina.

When Gustaf Berzelii visits the Swedish colony of Villa Svea in late 1917, he immediately discovers that it starkly contrasts his comfortable life in Buenos Aires. In the settlement, Anna, Arvid and the Swedish immigrants struggle to survive and create a decent life for themselves. Although they are making good progress, they still face many challenges, not how to deal with the longing for their old homeland. None of them, however, wants to return to Sweden. They try to overcome difficulties such as alcohol abuse, corruption, bandits and locust attacks while attempting to preserve Swedish traditions. The colony grows - clubhouses are built, cemeteries are established, and the rainforest is slowly but surely replaced by farmland and a growing civilisation.

Gustaf's money and drive will play a significant role in the community's development, but is he really ready to take the plunge and commit to becoming a part of the colony himself?