009 - The Driver's Prayer

“Thy Soul Shall Bear Witness” (Körkarlen), a haunting novella by Swedish Nobel Laureate Selma Lagerlöf, first graced readers in 1912, with its English edition following in 1922—the same year that saw the release of the iconic silent film “The Phantom Carriage,” which greatly influenced renowned Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. A subsequent adaptation emerged in 1958. Today, the English version of Lagerlöfs novel is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of copies believed to exist. Set on New Years Eve, the story follows David Holm, a once-decent man now lost to the depths of alcoholism, as he sits in a graveyard with his companions, recounting a chilling tale he heard from his friend George about the Death-Cart—a spectral carriage that claims the souls of the deceased at midnight. As fate would have it, David finds himself on the brink of death just as the clock strikes twelve, and he hears the ominous creaking of the cart, driven by none other than George. Meanwhile, in another part of town, a devoted sister named Edit lies dying, her last wish to see David, a man she loves despite his flaws. George returns to guide David into the heavy responsibilities of the Death-Cart, leading him through a poignant journey of reflection on his life, his choices, and the chance for redemption. Unlike many of Lagerlöfs other works, this tale weaves themes of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of salvation into a captivating narrative. (Summary by Lars Rolander)