To Travel Against Headwind: A Family Saga

To Travel Against Headwind is historical fiction based on real people. Their journey begins in poor, stagnant 19th-century Sweden, when many emigrated to North America in search of better lives. The story continues into the 1920s, a time of change and rising welfare. Johan, an insecure young man from southern Sweden, emigrates to North America almost unintentionally at the end of the 19th century. Mathilda faces hardship in a male-dominated society, but makes the most of her circumstances. Both had few expectations beyond their parents’ lives, yet their stories are filled with drama, joy, sorrow, and hardship. Hugo comes of age a generation later, as society modernises, and electricity and automobiles become a part of daily life. Drawn by the promise of adventure, he considers exploring South America with a friend.
Mats Haraldsson was born in 1960 in Växjö, Sweden. He studied Industrial Management and spent over 30 years with an American corporation, working in Stockholm, Paris, Houston, London, Brussels, and Salzburg. In 2018, he began new ventures, starting with this book. This English version is based on his debut novel, first published in Swedish in 2020. Mats lives in Salzburg, Austria.
"History lover or not, you’ll be absorbed by this fascinating novel about some of the people who built our country." Agneta Norrgård, Radio Sweden P4 Västernorrland
It is easy to be captivated by the story. To Travel Against Headwind is a well-written and gripping book, truly worth reading." Ingrid Nettervik, Chairman of the Vilhelm Moberg Society