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Summary: A classic book that challenges today's standards.
Review: As one of my fellow reviewers has noted, this is a long book that is somewhat intimidating at first. Undset created a novel that transcends time, cultures and genders. I believe the development of Kristin in the novel allows the reader to understand historically and culturally the Norse traditions and past. However the strong female figure, around which the novel focuses, adds a modern interdiscipinary viewpoint. The idea of such a strong woman is absent in most romantic-style novels, as well as such a strong female author. I believe this novel should be required in any gender studies class, and any foreign literature course. Inspiration blossoms from the style and content of this novel.
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Summary: Great historical novel, but so much more
Review: At first, I was a little put off by the abundance of place names and characters in the book. It took me awhile to get through the first few chapters. However, I soon found myself completely hooked and physically unable to put this book down. It is without a doubt the best book I have read in a very long time. I am only surprised that I haven't heard of it before. As I read, I found so many different things to like about this book. First, there is the setting: medieval Norway. The author writes realistically (at least I judge it so) within this setting, and it is fascinating. She gives an impossible wealth of details about many things. (To be honest, I skipped over many of the details in favor of the storyline. I'm just not that much of an historian, but I did appreciate the research done.) Second, there is the storyline, with its irresistable call. The book is worth reading for that alone. It reminds me of a medieval Norwegian "Gone with the Wind" - only better. I am not much the "Gone with the Wind" type myself, so if tragic plotlines turn you off, never fear! The book manages to remain positive, if not exactly with a "Hollywood ending." Powerful and inspiring, it offers romance, political intrigue, betrayal, adventure, heartbreak and way too much more to mention here. The characters in this book are so real, so well developed (I guess in 1000 pages, you'd hope they would be!). Through them, the author holds a mirror up to life. I found myself fascinated. In closing, a note about politics. The author goes into some detail about the politics of the time, and I have to admit I found this part very dry. (I am definitely a light-weight in that respect.) Around the middle of the second book, there is a lot of such political plotline. I was actually able to put the book down for a few hours when I hit this point. If you reach this point and find yourself ready to quit, I encourage you to skim past this part, because the personal storyline reappears with a satisfying crunch. Stick with it! Skip the boring parts. You will be glad you did!
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Summary: One of Sigrid Undset's best novels
Review: I came across Sigrid Undset's books quite by accident..I was searching for some books online and then I found this book... this is a very well written book and I am moved by the characters... it makes you wanna cry...Undset's one of my favourite author...since then I have read all of her novels... a great writer from Norway!
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Summary: My "bible"
Review: I first read this book nearly 30 years ago, at the age of 20. Over the years I have returned to it again and again. Words fail me when it comes to describing what this book has meant to me. The unsurpassed characterization, historical detail and brooding introspection help make this book my absolute favorite novel (with The Master of Hestviken a close second). I recommend re-reading chapters constantly, and re-reading it in its entirety every decade or so., because it will resonate with added meaning at different stages of life. It is indescribably beautiful and absolutely unique. No one should be put off by its length!!!
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Summary: A story that stays with you
Review: I first read this book several years ago and it remains one of my favorites. A fire in the fireplace, comfortable chair, and Kristin Lavransdatter make for a wonderful long, winter weekend.
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Summary: Best Book I Keep Losing
Review: I found this trilogy in a college bookstore some 25 years ago and was captivated by both the story and the Undset's background (writing these elaborate, intricate tales by oil lamp). When a good friend asked if she could borrow something to read on a cross-country plane trip, I handed her this book--and never got it back. I wanted to reread it, but couldn't remember the title or the author's name. Fifteen years later, I found a selection Undset novels while on vacation in Norway, and, appropriately, rediscovered Kristin as I toured the Norwegian coast in a mail boat. I brought the books (three individual paperbacks) home and placed them on the shelf of my rental house, so others could discover Undset's world for the first time. Then I sold the house furnished, and neglected to retrieve the books (which I hope are still entertaining summer vacationers!). So, I'm buying Kristin Lavransdatter again, because she and her family haunts me, and every 10 to 15 years I want to meet her once more...
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Summary: Rebellion and Redemption
Review: I just finished reading Kristin---yet again---I do so every four or five years, and each time I glean more than the last. This is a book for all Christians (but especially Catholics) who are committed to their Faith and to their Marriage. It is a resounding "No" to the current attitude of selfishness and the glib cliche that "everyone has a right to be happy". Kristen Lavransdatter deals not with happiness, but with the unspeakable joy of clinging unquestionly, through life's storms and tragedies, to the Cross and the Sacraments. It is balm for the heart of every soul who has ever felt the weight of sin and the heartbreak of true contrition.
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Summary: Addicted but puzzled
Review: I now find myself re-reading the trilogy by Undset and am now reading the final book, The Cross. I have several questions, though, that even in this, probably my third reading, still persist. Does anyone know if there is a Kristin Lavransdatter message board where people can discuss this complex work? Despite some puzzlement, though, I must say the three books are riveting to me, just as they were when I first read them as a teenager, then again as a young wife and mother, and now as a grandmother. The richness of the plot, the superb characterization, the unfolding of a passionate but doomed and troubled relationship, the profound evocation of another time and place--one can understand why Undset won a Nobel Prize. I would recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys rich, beautifully written and complex books, even if certain events and references remain a puzzle to you, as they do to me!
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Summary: Addicted but puzzled
Review: I now find myself re-reading the trilogy by Undset and am now reading the final book, The Cross. I have several questions, though, that even in this, probably my third reading, still persist. Does anyone know if there is a Kristin Lavransdatter message board where people can discuss this complex work? Despite some puzzlement, though, I must say the three books are riveting to me, just as they were when I first read them as a teenager, then again as a young wife and mother, and now as a grandmother. The richness of the plot, the superb characterization, the unfolding of a passionate but doomed and troubled relationship, the profound evocation of another time and place--one can understand why Undset won a Nobel Prize. I would recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys rich, beautifully written and complex books, even if certain events and references remain a puzzle to you, as they do to me!
Rating:
Summary: Complex, wide ranging and worth perservering with
Review: I picked this trilogy up because (a) I had never heard of it and (b) I was astonished to note that it had been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. It had to be worth a try. And what a gem it is - a detailed and historically accurate picture of life in 14th Century Norway, complete with a fesity herione, hulking men and the entire range of human emotions in all their glory. The novel begins with our hero Kristin bathing in the love of her parents in living in the comfort of a wealthy home. As she grows, she finds herself completely in love, and against the wishes of her parents and her betrothed (another far more suitable man) pursues and secures the man of her dreams. But of course we must be careful what we wish for, and the novels take us through the trials and tribulations of life with someone you love, but are not necessarily suited to. This is a rich and detailed novel, that is not always to read, but at time it was so powerful that it reduced me to tears. You become completely involved in the character's lives, and in the end this gives you a real sense of satisfaction in your reading. It certtainly is a different book, and one which is well worth your time.
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