What an honour! My novel was the book of the week recommendation on Radio Sweden P4 Västernorrland. Listen below! (Swedish only)
Website updated June 2026
Available as Hardback and E-book
To Travel Against Headwind...
… is historical fiction based on real people.
The book takes the reader on a journey through time - from the poor, stagnant 19th-century Sweden, when many emigrated to North America in search of better lives - into the 1920s, a time of change and rising welfare. The plot is primarily set in the rural southern Swedish province of Småland, but also in the company-owned town of Pullman City outside Chicago and the tropics of South America.
What have readers said...
”It's easy to get captivated by the story. To Travel Against Headwind is a well-written and gripping book, truly worth reading.” Ingrid Nettervik, Chair of the Vilhelm Moberg Society
”Honestly, wow, what a fantastic story. Regardless of whether you like Swedish history or not, I recommend you read this amazing and exciting book.” Systrarnaboktokiga - Swedish influencers
”History lover or not, you’ll be absorbed by this fascinating novel about some of the people who built our country.” Agneta Norrgård, Radio Sweden P4 Västernorrland
”A beautiful and strong novel debut that I can really recommend if, like me, you love reading historical novels, but also for those who want to know more about Sweden and its history.” bettan_bokprataren - Swedish influencer
The main characters...
Mathilda
Mathilda faces adversity in a male-dominated society, but makes the most of her circumstances
Johan
Johan, an insecure young man from southern Sweden, emigrates to North America almost unintentionally at the end of the 19th century
Hugo
Hugo comes of age a generation later, as society modernises, and electricity and automobiles become a part of daily life. Drawn by the promise of adventure, he considers exploring South America with a friend
About the author...
Mats Haraldsson
was born in 1960 in Växjö, Sweden. He studied Industrial Management and spent over 30 years with an American corporation, working in Stockholm, Paris, Houston, London, Brussels, and Salzburg. In 2018, he began new ventures, starting with this book. This English version is based on his debut novel, first published in Swedish in 2020.
He lives in Salzburg, Austria.
Photographer: Anna Rosén
Settings from the book...
Audiobook only available in Swedish
Narrator: Magnus Tyrgrim
Click on the YouTube film to listen to a sample of the audiobook! (Swedish only)
Available on Storytel, Nextory or BookBeat. (Swedish only)
Storytel rating;
”I have now listened for almost 12 hours and I've enjoyed every second!” bokspionen on Instagram
Follow me...
Instagram: @matsharaldsson.se
Reviews...
Review by Ulf Beijbom for the magazine Emigranten
