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THE STORY
Northwest Passages is the story of Julia Berg from Sweden. When Julia's father sees the futility of farm life in Sweden he decides to move the family to Washington state in America. Julia and her brothers begin a new life in Preston, Washington. A sister, Astrid, is born to the Bergs in their first few months in America.
The story follows the family's growth in America as they celebrate both Swedish and American holidays, build a new life, and struggle against prejudice toward immigrants.
After the death of her brother, Julia becomes a nurse with Seattle's Swedish Hospital. As a nurse she is able to travel throughout the Northwest. Julia interacts with African American coal miners and assists families when an explosion rips through the local mine. In Tacoma she hears the story of a Chinese immigrant and his struggle to be accepted in America. At an Indian reservation Julia witnesses the government removal of Native American children from their families to be placed in boarding schools where they are expected to become "Americans".
When World War One breaks out Julia's world is changed forever. Her oldest brother disappears in the war, her father is killed in an accident, and her mother becomes ill during the flu pandemic of 1918. When she is required to send a letter to the family in Sweden she realizes that she know longer knows how to write in Swedish. Julia discovers her special status as a woman with two homes, two cultures and two families.
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