The Town (Strindberg)

The Town is a novel by August Strindberg, published in 1909. It is part of Strindberg's larger autobiographical project and depicts his childhood experiences in Stockholm, Sweden. The novel offers a critical and often harsh portrayal of Swedish society, particularly the bourgeoisie, and details the social and economic struggles of Strindberg's family. While fictionalized, the narrative closely mirrors events and figures from Strindberg's own life, focusing on his upbringing, his father's business failures, and the family's descent into poverty. Key themes include class conflict, the hypocrisy of the upper classes, and the psychological impact of poverty on family dynamics. The novel is known for its naturalist style and its unflinching depiction of the harsh realities of life in Stockholm at the time.