Jerusalem by Selma Lagerlöf

"Jerusalem" by Selma Lagerlöf is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the plight of the Ingmarsson family, specifically focusing on Ingmar Ingmarsson, as he grapples with his conscience and the impact of past events on his life and community. Themes of idealism, sacrifice, and the struggle between tradition and faith resonate throughout the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces Ingmar Ingmarsson as he plows his fields, reflecting on his family's legacy and his feelings of inadequacy compared to his father and grandfather. Amidst his musings, he reveals the troubling past involving Brita, a woman he courted who ended up in prison for infanticide, a result of a devastating situation that he feels responsible for. His internal conflict is palpable as he ponders the societal repercussions of his actions and grapples with the expectations tied to his family's name. The scene sets up not only the personal struggles of Ingmar but also hints at the broader context of the religious revival that impacts his rural community, hinting at themes of redemption and moral duty that will unfold in the subsequent chapters.