Author Description

This lovely short story written in 1904 gives us a snapshot of life in a Norwegian immigrant community. The protagonist, like the author, is a first-generation American; the scene is a small settlement in Minnesota. The story reflects the young author's attachment to his heritage as he and his peers help to define the ideals of the new generation-the Norwegian Americans. This edition includes the unabridged story which was first published in St. Olaf College's literary magazine, The Manitou Messenger. It also includes a short biography of the author which recounts his family's move to America. Amos Groethe was a classmate at St. Olaf College of O.E. Rolvaag, author of Giants in the Earth, the classic novel of the Norwegian immigrant experience in America. Inez-How She Made Clear the Way speaks on a smaller scale of the strength of religion and family obligation as these pioneers blended their culture into the new environment they were making their own.