IN THE DISTANCE is set in the mid-19th century and follows Håkan, a young Swedish immigrant in California attempting to reunite with his brother in New York. Håkan travels against the flow of emigrants heading west and meets gold rush opportunists, corrupt lawmen, an innovative naturalist, and many more characters who ultimately shape who he becomes. Part coming-of-age tale, part subversive Western, IN THE DISTANCE brilliantly examines what this tumultuous period for the US would’ve looked like through a newcomer’s eyes. Håkan encounters countless hardships, greed, and brutality but is also filled with hope and wonder. This is an extraordinary story about foreignness, solitude, resilience, and companionship. Håkan is a character that I will never forget. Highly recommend!