Originally published in a collection of short stories “Anecdotes of Destiny”, 1958

Summary

A French refugee arrives in Norway during the French Revolution and opens people’s hearts by preparing a large feast that challenges their assumptions about life.

Set in Berlevaag, Norway, the story centers on the followers of The Dean. The Dean founded a pious Lutheran sect, and his followers, called Brothers and Sisters, embraced a life free from worldly indulgences. 

However, once the Dean died, cracks began to appear in the relationships of his followers. They nursed their old grievances with one another. It was only around their love of the Dean’s two daughters that they were united, and it was those daughters who provided a home for Babette when she arrived frightened and grief-stricken at their door. 

“All the day the sisters fed the towering old stove with birch-knots. They hung a garland of juniper round their father’s portrait on the wall, and placed candlesticks on their mother’s small working table beneath it; they burned juniper-twigs to make the room smell nice.”

Babette’s Feast

My Thoughts

It was a sweet story about the importance of people opening their hearts to things that are new and different. There are interesting questions raised about grace, morality, faith and art. It was also very funny at times. I was especially amused by the sister’s reaction to a tortoise. 

I loved Dinesen’s style, the story was pleasant, and I’m glad I read it. However, I can’t say that I found the story especially emotionally engaging, though I suspect that is because I don’t usually embrace short stories. I do understand why some people absolutely love it. My hope is that Out of Africa might be a better fit for me.

Challenges

I’m using Babette’s Feast as part of several challenges in 2024. It is my 3rd book in the Classics Club Challenge, my 5th in my Around the Globe in 193 Books Personal Challenge, and will represent Denmark in the Read Europe 2024 Challenge.

About the Author

Isak Dinesen is one of the pen names of Danish author, Baroness Karen Christenze von Blixen-Finecke (1885-1962). She wrote in both English and Danish. She won multiple awards for her writing, and was nominated for a Nobel Prize for Literature. Several of her works have been made into films.