Between Rocks and Hard Places

Between Rocks and Hard Places by Ann Urness Gesme is a social history of the Norwegian farmers who made up the bulk of emigrants to America. Focusing on the Norwegian period of their lives makes this book uniquely informative and valuable since there are already many good books about the American period. Ten out of twelve chapters concern aspects of life in Norway such as the church courting and marriage education and trading and markets. The remaining two chapters concern the circumstances that led to emigration and the founding of Norwegian communities in America. If you are researching your relatives in Norway this book is a must-read full of valuable practical and interesting information.