NAGC’s big read in historical fiction for 2026 will be The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting. In Norwegian, its SØSTERKLOKKENE.
Originally published in Norwegian in 2018, The Bell in the Lake has been recognized as worth reading by the 2025 St. Olaf Conference and Vesterheim.
The NAGC reading group is designed for those who spend the dark of winter in Wisconsin. We will meet in-person and get re-energized. The meetings will be mostly discussion with a balance between talking about our own personal histories and talking about the novel. The group will be limited to 10 members to allow time for everyone to share their perspective on the book.
Meeting dates: Tuesday 2/3/2026 and Tuesday 2/10/2026, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Snow date: Tuesday 2/17/2026, in case one of the sessions needs to be cancelled
Cost: $30 for NAGC members; $50 for non-members (includes a paperback copy of The Bell in the Lake, a $13.50 value. NAGC does not sell this book separately, it is included as part of the book study.)
If you prefer not to buy the book from NAGC, please select the “Book Not Included” ticket option. You may be able to find the book elsewhere. If you are a member, please log into your account to get your member discount.
Parking: Free off-street parking behind the NAGC building.
Facilitator: Martha Frey is a family historian with ties to Voss, Norway.
Registration deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026