
audiobook
by Josephine Ludlow Palmer, Selma Lagerlöf, Annie Longfellow Thorp
Set in a quiet Swedish village on the brink of Christmas, the play follows a humble household preparing for the holiday. Olga, the matriarch, tends to the children and the modest decorations, her gentle voice carrying the traditions of the season. The stage comes alive with vivid costumes and a simple yet evocative interior that captures the warmth of a winter night. The children’s innocent excitement over the flickering candles adds a layer of magic that draws the audience into their world.
When a mysterious traveler knocks at their door, the family is drawn into a tale of compassion and shared wonder. Through tender dialogue and the simple act of lighting the Christmas tree, the strangers discover the true spirit of the holiday, reminding listeners that generosity can illuminate even the darkest moments. The piece balances quiet humor with heartfelt sincerity, making it a perfect choice for intimate performances.
Language
en
Duration
~37 minutes (35K characters)
Series
Vassar series of plays
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Samuel French, 1917,copyright 1921.
Credits
Tim Lindell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2022-06-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
Best known for a warm, stage-ready adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf’s “The Christmas Guest,” this early 20th-century writer helped bring a classic holiday story to American readers and performers. Her surviving work has a simple, inviting quality that still feels made to be read aloud.
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1858–1940
A pioneer of Swedish literature, this Nobel Prize winner wrote stories that blend folklore, moral depth, and a strong sense of place. She is still especially loved for The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, a classic that carries readers across Sweden through the eyes of a child and a wild goose.
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1852–1931
Raised in one of America’s most famous literary families, she grew into a thoughtful editor, traveler, and steward of her father’s legacy. Her life bridged the world of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Cambridge home and a wider public role in preserving its history.
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