Following the Waters, Voices from the Final Norwegian Emigration
Astrid Tollefsen - 2004 -
Following the Waters was launched on December 5 in New Bedford. This book is a unique gift for family and friends who cherish their Norwegian roots and wish to know more about the emigration as well as learn about the courage and lives of the fishermen and others who came over to “Amerika” in the 20th century. This book contains 512 pages with extensive bibliography, notes and appendix. 400+ illustrations from Norwegian emigrants and renowned international artists.
Astid Tollefsen has been working hard for several years to preserve this important part of our heritage. She syas: "This has been a rocky road..... it took most of my Norwegian stubborness not to turn back", and we are glad she did not. It is a large and handsome book and I am sure you will enjoy both reading it and owning a copy.
Astrid Tollefsen was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is the daughter of Sigvart Tollefsen, of Skudeneshavn, Norway, and Muriel Caswell Tollefsen of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Just after the “Great ’38 Hurricane,” her father, a fishing captain and owner of the F/V Valencia, drowned at sea when she was almost two years old. Her secure and happy childhood ended abruptly. Raised by her selfless Yankee mother under difficult circumstances and always searching for her father and the sense of security and warmth he gave her, she worked her way out of poverty, earned a master’s degree from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and did post-graduate work at the University of California, Irvine. She served as a teacher and naval officer and in senior executive positions in both educational and non-profit organizations. Her last position was as founder and CEO of a fund-development consulting firm. Listed in the 58th Edition of Marquis, Who’s Who in America, 2004.
"Following the Waters is the oral history and personal chronicle of 20th century Norwegian emigrant fishermen and their families. Known as pendlers, (commuters) their seafaring lifestyles, enhanced by their traditional Norwegian skills and culture, were defined by courage, daring and hard work… integrity, faith and commitment… luck, love and tragedy… great rescues, losses and eventual triumphs. They enabled the fishing industries of New Bedford, Massachusetts and Seattle/Alaska to achieve greatness. The book also is the story of the author’s search for her own Norwegian heritage."
Following the Waters brings the reader through the angst of emigration, turmoil of war, the pain of loss and joy of success, courage in daring sea rescues, the bittersweet process of acculturation, the call of the motherland, innovative industry improvements, leaders conquering new frontiers and the lives of the emigrant fishermen at home, on the sea and on the waterfront..… & More. Praise for Following the Waters ©
* “Astrid Tollefsen’s book paints a colorful portrait of the Norwegian-American community in Massachusetts. She deserves praise for preserving parts of this important history.” Espen Tjersland, former Editor, Nordisk Tidende (Norway Times), New York
* “Astrid Tollefsen’s contribution is significant… for all of us on both sides of the Atlantic who, by reading her book, will come to understand a little better the deep roots of the Norwegian-American relationship.” Lars Fure, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo
* "… unique in its careful interweaving of interviews with fascinating narratives and anecdotes. The authenticity is wonderful and honestly shows triumphs and tragedies -- real life! It is a must-read for anyone interested in moving, candid, personal stories about Norwegians.” courageous lives." David S Martin, PhD Professor Emeritus, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
* "This book is wonderful as it supplements so much that my Dad and family have told me. The book is incredible in that it describes so much by so many." The Reverend Dr. Gordon Melby Torgersen, President Emeritus, Andover-Newton Theological Seminary, Newton Centre, Massachusetts
* " I read every page and I feel I am looking through a looking glass. I love it, I love it! Thank you, Astrid!" Barbara Simonsen Medhaug, daughter and wife of emigrant fishermen.
About Following the Waters: Available directly after November 20 from: (signed if requested)
Astrid Tollefsen, 65 Kettlehole Rd., Sales Information: Astrid Tollefsen, 65 Kettlehole Rd, Media mail: $5.95 1 book. Add $1.50 for each additional book. 7 days shipping. 
512 pages with extensive bibliography, notes and appendix. 400+ illustrations from Norwegian emigrants and renowned international artists. Hard cover with color dust jacket. Quality paper and sewn binding. Over 135 interviews. Professionally edited, designed and printed. Leifur Publications: ISBN: 0-9746515-5-9.
West Barnstable, MA 02668
Email: astrid2000@earthlink.net
Net: home.earthlink.net/~astrid2000
All orders prepaid before shipping. USA orders: $39. (USD) per book. Cashier’s check or money orders preferred and faster. Personal checks must clear before books can be mailed. Massachusetts residents add 5% tax. Norway orders: 398 NOK. S/H included in price. Buy a check in USD with 398 NOK at: DnB NOR Bank ASA and mail to:
West Barnstable, MA 02668 USA
Email: astrid2000@earthlink.net
Tel: 508 362-4272
Shipping/Handling in USA
Priority mail = $8.35 1 book. Add $4.50 for each additional book. 2-3 days shipping.
Insurance. (priority mail only) Add $1.30 first book, 60? for each extra book, if desired.