Downstream

Downstream by Sigfrid Siwertz (1922)

The narrative unfolds around the lives of children growing up in a decaying estate, Selambshof, under the shadow of their father's oppressive legacy and the haunting presence of their deceased grandfather, Old Hök. The story begins with Peter and Hedvig, siblings who experience the eerie atmosphere of their home, marked by the death of their mother and the subsequent neglect of their father, Oskar Selamb. The children navigate their childhood fears and the complexities of family dynamics, with Peter often feeling the weight of responsibility as the eldest. As they grow, the siblings face the harsh realities of their family's decline. Oskar, once a timid man under the thumb of his father, becomes increasingly detached and irresponsible, leading to the deterioration of Selambshof. The children, particularly Peter, grapple with their identities and futures amidst the chaos. Peter's ambition to reclaim the estate and rise above their circumstances drives him to cunning and manipulation, ultimately leading to his ascension as the new bailiff after Oskar's death. Hedvig, on the other hand, becomes a nurse, seeking purpose and escape from the family's dysfunction. Her relationship with Peter is fraught with tension, as he views her as both a burden and a potential ally in his quest for power. The siblings' paths diverge, with Peter embracing a ruthless ambition while Hedvig seeks solace in her work and the care of the sick. The arrival of Herman, a childhood friend, complicates matters further. He becomes romantically involved with Laura, a girl from a wealthy family, which creates a rift between him and Peter. As Laura's relationship with Herman deepens, Peter's jealousy and ambition intensify, leading to a series of manipulative actions that ultimately alienate him from those he once cared for. The story culminates in a tragic exploration of love, ambition, and the consequences of familial legacy. Laura's eventual departure to a boarding school symbolizes the escape from the oppressive environment of Selambshof, while Peter's rise to power comes at the cost of his relationships and moral integrity. The narrative serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of growing up in a fractured family, the struggle for identity, and the haunting specter of the past that shapes their futures.

By Sigfrid Siwertz · First published 1922 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction · 22 chapters · 145,518 words

First lines

To tell the story of a child as you would tell the story of a grownup would be to commit forgery, for once you are wide awake it costs you a great effort to describe a dream exactly as it occurred.

The tide of events flows remote from the child. Only occasionally do its eddies touch upon the consciousness of the child, and then the latter is unaware of their significance. It is precisely this inability to understand the connection between events which makes the realities of children so dreamlike.

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Downstream is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sigfrid Siwertz, dated 1922 CE.

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Swedish Literature · Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tale · Existential Crisis · Identity Formation · Youthful Rebellion

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