In the Time of the Bells

Translated from the Swedish by Sheila La Farge. Illustrated by Harald Gripe. King Arvid, the hero of this medieval tale, was crowned at the age of thirteen so that Helmer, his father, could devote himself to astronomy and the message of the stars. Now, a few years later, Arvid is lonely and, withdrawn. He finds it hard to adjust to the rigorous training of king and the pompous life of court. His parents engage a whipping boy Helge, and bring Elisif, a beautiful princess, to the castle to become the queen. But Arvid remains isolated, and Helge and Elisif fall in love. On the day of the annual festival, when the whipping boy is named king for a day, an astonishing secret is revealed that frees Arvid from the burden of the crown and brings happiness to Helge and Elisif.


Genre: Children's Fiction