Minda is an orphan, taken in by her practical and less-than-enthusiastic Aunt Karin. Minda and her crafty goat, Stor Geta, struggle to find a place to call home-and to get the money her aunt insists she must earn for her school clothes and shoes. She tries being a servant and house-help, an entrepreneur, even a herd-girl up on the mountains, but nothing comes easy. And yet there is much joy and adventure. She meets a young widow, the Mistress of Dalstorp, and together they face the world until at last they win through and find each other.

The Gate Swings In captures the mood, culture and wisdom of the Swedish folk. It is a perfect complement to Nora Burglon's much loved Danish tale, Sticks across the Chimney.