Sweden

Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. It is also the place of Håkan Söderström’s birth. Håkan is born on his family’s isolated farm. There, he lives with his parents and his older brother Linus. Håkan and Linus must leave Sweden following a severe famine, so they board a ship heading for America. At the end of the novel, Håkan decides to attempt to return to Sweden.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a port city in the county of Hampshire, England. After leaving Sweden, Håkan and Linus travel by boat to Portsmouth. However, the brothers soon become separated by accident. Håkan attempts to board a boat heading for New York. However, he mistakenly boards a boat heading for California.

California

California is the 31st state admitted to the United States of America. Håkan first arrives in California in...