Since the central figure in My Street – A Christmas Story is named Therese, this nostalgic story set in a snowy Stockholm is part novel, part autobiographical. College students and their parents will relate to Therese’s journey. Thrilled to be accepted by the cultural studies program at the University of Stockholm, she packs her things and leaves her childhood home.
With little money, she manages to find a small apartment in Skogas, south of Stockholm and too far out to have a subway stop. Commuting would be difficult, but the studio apartment itself is not bad, having a small kitchenette and its own bathroom. Her parents drops off her and her things and after her mother cries, they leave. She is on her own.
The first day on campus is warm and sunny and raises Therese’s spirits. She finds her way to her first class in cultural studies taught by Margareta Holmstrom. The introductory course would be followed by an internship. Then Therese would have to make a choice of optional courses – Ancient Culture and Society, Cinematography, Art History, and Literature.
Just as Holmstrom is finishing her remarks, the door opens and a young man dressed all in black walks in, seating himself next to Therese. Before gathering his books and leaving the classroom, Andreas introduces himself. “See you later,” he says. She didn’t realize it at the time, but she was about to make a friend whose influence would have an impact on her first year at college.
On her way to Skogas, Therese stops in a bookstore and buys a copy of the magazine, STEREO – “the literary fanzine.” In class, she and Andreas walk to the coffee machine together. He suggests that they save money by buying one set of the textbooks needed for the course and making a photocopy. Although copying textbooks is forbidden by the college, she agrees. He also invites her to a party on Saturday night. She accepts.
Arriving at the apartment, one that is nothing like hers, Andreas gives her a warm greeting and introduces her to his roommate, Roman Bauer. Therese is shocked to learn that Andreas’ friend is also the publisher of STEREO. The three soon become a trio, with Therese visiting often, enjoying their company and their food and wine. When they ask her to move into the attic room (the apartment is owned by Andreas’ grandmother), she agrees.
Anyone reading and waiting for something weird to happen, will be disappointed. My Street is at its core a coming of age story and a lovely and intriguing one at that. Dip in. You won’t be disappointed.
My Street – A Christmas Story
Therese Bohman
Translated by Marlaine Delargy
Top Bigstock photo by Janus Orlov
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