Strife and Peace

In Short

Set in the rugged, majestic mountains of nineteenth-century Norway, Fredrika Bremer’s home-centered novel follows Susanna, an earnest Swedish orphan struggling against her quick temper, and Harald, a teasing Norwegian steward. Employed in the secluded valley estate of the mysterious, grief-stricken Mrs. Astrid, the two spend their days in spirited, comic debates over national superiority, domestic methods, and historical claims. Yet when severe winter blizzards and physical peril threaten their isolated household, their stubborn bickering yields to mutual care and devotion. The narrative endures for its warm humor, vivid wilderness backdrops, and affectionate portrayal of domestic domesticity overcoming personal pride.

The Story

The narrative opens amidst the wild, ancient beauty of the Dovre mountains in Norway. At the estate of Seter, the central household is managed by Susanna, a young Swedish woman who fights a constant internal struggle between her bad-tempered, proud self—which she nicknames "Barbra"—and her gentle, pious spirit, "Sanna." Working alongside her is Harald, a spirited Norwegian steward who delights in teasing Susanna, intentionally provoking her fierce Swedish patriotism. Their daily routines in the brewhouse, the garret, and the dairy become battlegrounds for friendly yet fiery arguments regarding whose native country produces better beer, possesses richer history, or boasts superior housekeeping methods.

Beneath the lighthearted friction runs a darker, somber thread centered on their mistress, Mrs. Astrid. A pale, melancholy lady haunted by a tragic past, Mrs. Astrid lives in self-imposed emotional exile, convinced that a dark destiny surrounds her and prevents her from finding peace. Susanna and Harald both regard her with deep reverence and care, often setting aside their arguments to tend to her needs or comfort her during her deepest spells of grief.

As seasons pass, the pair's hostility gradually softens into shared responsibility. During the harsh spring, when poverty and hunger afflict the local valley, Susanna throws herself into charitable work. Though Harald initially feigns a cold, unyielding stance toward almsgiving to provoke her, Susanna soon discovers that he is secretly funding relief efforts and offering practical guidance to help families sustain themselves. Working together to alleviate the villagers' suffering, their mutual respect deepens.

The arrival of Harald’s sister, Alette, and her fiancé, Alf, introduces fresh discussions about Nordland and the sacrifices of love, while further drawing Susanna into the family circle. However, a sudden, fierce mountain storm—the dreaded "Aasgaardsreija"—tests everyone's resilience. Susanna defies Harald's warnings to deliver aid to a sick peasant woman, prompting Harald to follow her into the blustering gale to keep her safe. Sheltered in a mountain cave, they share a moment of serene understanding.

During a subsequent, perilous mountain trek over snowfields and icy morasses, Harald succumbs to fever and dizziness, collapsing in the snow. As despair threatens Mrs. Astrid, Susanna steps forward with tireless strength, guiding the party to a sheltered rock vault and later trekking through the blizzard to bring back rescuers with blazing torches. In the cave, a long-hidden secret comes to light: Harald is revealed to be Mrs. Astrid’s long-lost nephew, lifting the dark cloud of guilt that has weighed upon her for years. Recovering from his illness and reunited with his aunt, Harald asks Susanna to marry him, reassuring her that his proposal stems from genuine love rather than mere gratitude. Recognizing her own deep affection for him, Susanna agrees, bringing their long history of strife to a joyous, peaceful union.

How It Unfolds

A house divided In the mountainous estate of Seter, Susanna manages the household while constantly battling her quick-tempered inner demon, "Barbra." The Norwegian steward Harald routinely tests her patience by insulting her Swedish recipes and mocking her national pride.

Domestic skirmishes Their daily chores in the brewhouse and garret turn into lively debates over brewing methods, historical figures, and national traits. Despite their persistent bickering, both remain devoted to caring for their mysterious, sorrowful mistress, Mrs. Astrid.

Shared benevolence When spring brings severe poverty to the valley peasants, Susanna gives away her belongings to help them. She discovers that Harald is quietly providing practical relief and fatherly guidance to the same families, bringing the two rivals together in a common cause.

Glimpses of the North Harald’s sister Alette arrives with her fiancé Alf, bringing news and discussions of the distant, frozen regions of Nordland. The household gathers for vibrant folk dances like the Halling-polska, where Susanna and Harald share a moment of unspoken harmony.

Into the blizzard Ignoring Harald's warning about an impending mountain tempest, Susanna sets out to deliver medicine to a sick peasant. Harald follows her into the storm to ensure her safety, and they take shelter together in a mountain cave as night falls.

Rescue in the snow During a dangerous journey across icy morasses, Harald collapses from fever and exhaustion. Susanna takes charge, clearing a path to a rock shelter and leading a rescue party through the dark wilderness with a lit torch.

Reconciliation and peace In the sheltered vault, Harald is revealed to be Mrs. Astrid's nephew, dispelling the mistress's long-standing grief. Once restored to health, Harald declares his love for Susanna, and their final strife ends in a joyful marriage.

The People

• Susanna (Sanna / Barbra): A hard-working, passionate Swedish orphan who serves as housekeeper at Seter. Raised with minimal formal schooling beyond religious instruction, she views her personality as a struggle between "Barbra" (her proud, violent temper) and "Sanna" (her noble, loving nature). She wants to do good and protect those she loves, though her stubbornness often leads her into heated disputes with Harald before she realizes her true feelings for him.
• Harald: The clever, patriotic Norwegian steward at the estate. He enjoys provoking Susanna by disparaging Swedish customs and boasting about Norway's superior history. Beneath his teasing exterior lies a deeply generous man who secretly aids the poor and seeks to create a meaningful, productive life on his land. His care for Susanna turns into profound affection as he observes her courage and devotion.
• Mrs. Astrid: The pale, grief-stricken lady of the house who lives under the shadow of past tragedy. Believing herself cursed to bring misfortune to those around her, she isolates herself in dark thoughts, though she is comforted by the natural beauty of the dale and the loyal care of her household. Her heart is finally healed when Harald is revealed as her lost nephew.
• Alette: Harald’s sister, a thoughtful and practical young woman who visits Seter while preparing to marry her beloved, Alf. She acts as a gentle sounding board for both Harald and Susanna, offering sensible perspectives on love, duty, and life in the harsh climate of Nordland.

In Its Own Voice

"Out of the brewhouse flew Susanna, in the highest indignation, throwing down a glass of beer which Harald had poured out during the contention for her..." Susanna storms away in anger after Harald mocks her Swedish brewing recipe and insults her country's traditions.

"In the class which may be said to labour for their daily bread, there are people who help themselves; others there are whom nobody can help; but the greater number are those who, through prudent help in word and deed, can attain to helping themselves..." Harald and Susanna find common ground as they combine direct aid with practical guidance to relieve the local peasants' spring poverty.

"It was Susanna, who, with a blazing torch in her hand, rushed into the dark vault. It glittered at once as with a million of diamonds." Susanna arrives through the blinding mountain snowstorm to bring warmth and rescue to the stranded, freezing party.

What It's Really About

Beneath its charming domestic rivalries, Strife and Peace investigates how pride and rigid national prejudices obstruct genuine human connection. The petty squabbles between Susanna and Harald mirror larger historical tensions between Sweden and Norway, demonstrating how cultural chauvinism creates unnecessary friction between people who share fundamental values.

The novel also examines the psychological struggle for self-mastery, dramatized through Susanna’s internal conflict between "Barbra" and "Sanna." It argues that true strength lies not in stubborn self-assertion, but in practical compassion and humility. Ultimately, the story asserts that active, quiet benevolence—whether helping impoverished neighbors or standing by loved ones during a blizzard—has the power to heal deep emotional trauma, dissolve long-held animosities, and bring peace to troubled hearts.

Why Read It Today

Strife and Peace offers a delightful, warmhearted reading experience that combines light comedy with the dramatic atmosphere of 19th-century Scandinavian literature. Modern readers will enjoy the playful banter between Susanna and Harald, whose enemies-to-lovers dynamic feels surprisingly fresh and engaging. Bremer’s vivid portrayals of Norwegian landscapes—from the ancient Dovre mountains and serene oak groves to terrifying winter blizzards—give the narrative a rich sense of place that immerses the reader in the rural North.

The book does reflect its period through traditional gender discussions and romanticized regional dialect and folklore, such as stories of mountain giants and the wild "Aasgaardsreija." At times, the characters' extended debates over Scandinavian history and ancient Northman voyages to Vineland slow the pace of the narrative. However, these historic details add authentic texture to the setting rather than burdening the story. Readers who appreciate classic domestic fiction, vibrant wilderness backdrops, and heartwarming tales of personal growth will find this short novel a deeply satisfying and cozy journey into 19th-century Norwegian life.