Delicious humor, unaffected wisdom, and the gentle delights of the spirit have always rewarded readers of Mrs. Bjorn's charming family chronicles. In response to the many queries she has received, the author of Papa's Wife, Papa's Daughter, and Mama's Way now tells more about the Franzons—the eight children who became the family of a very determined young woman who set her cap for a handsome and determinedly single bachelor parson.
In Dear Papa, the children have grown up, and Mama, now a widow, living in Miami, is convalescing from a heart attack. Missing Papa, she decides to write him a letter, describing all that has happened to the family since his death. In each chapter she continues her letter, and reveals many of the mischievous deeds of the children in their youth—stories that she had been saving to tell him during their days of retirement. Here is the irrepressible young Torkel, demonstrating the evils of drink to a wayward parishioner with a most ingenious and hilarious scheme. And mischievous Button, earnest Nim, Pelle, Greta and all the other youngsters are back, too.
To bring new readers up to date, Mrs. Bjorn has included a Prologue in which she reviews Mama's proposal to Papa, the birth of the eight children, and their life after they have moved from Swedish Lapland to America.
Those who are already acquainted with the Franzons will find this fresh sojourn into their household a joyous occasion—sparkling with laughter, warmly inspiring, and touched with a deep appreciation for life.
Thyra Ferré Bjorn was one of eight children born to a clergyman in Swedish Lapland. In 1924, her father received a call to a Swedish church in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the family came to America. Mrs. Bjorn has two daughters and four grandchildren; and with her husband, Robert J. Bjorn, makes her home in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Jacket design by Pat Feder
—from the dust jacket
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