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.
Rating:
Summary: You will become addicted to Norway in the Middle Ages.
Review: I read the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy the first time because I liked the cover - I admit it. At first I thought, what does a woman from the Middle Ages in Norway have to do with me - a woman in the 1970's in Orange County, CA and then I discovered my Kristin. She still feels like an old friend. I have re-discovered her many times, as a new wife, a new mother, and now as I am entering my 40's. I see something different in her and discover something different in me - with each read. The film of Kristen Lavransdatter is like "Gone with the Wind" in Norway. Everyone in Norway has seen it and loves it, and owns a copy of the video! I rented it from my local Blockbuster and wasn't as thrilled, but it was interesting to see what the buildings looked like on screen versus what my mind had imagined from Sigrid Undset's writing. Once you have read the Kristen Trilogy, you need to read "The Axe." I promise you will love it too.
Rating:
Summary: You will become addicted to Norway in the Middle Ages.
Review: I read the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy the first time because I liked the cover - I admit it. At first I thought, what does a woman from the Middle Ages in Norway have to do with me - a woman in the 1970's in Orange County, CA and then I discovered my Kristin. She still feels like an old friend. I have re-discovered her many times, as a new wife, a new mother, and now as I am entering my 40's. I see something different in her and discover something different in me - with each read. The film of Kristen Lavransdatter is like "Gone with the Wind" in Norway. Everyone in Norway has seen it and loves it, and owns a copy of the video! I rented it from my local Blockbuster and wasn't as thrilled, but it was interesting to see what the buildings looked like on screen versus what my mind had imagined from Sigrid Undset's writing. Once you have read the Kristen Trilogy, you need to read "The Axe." I promise you will love it too.
Rating:
Summary: Kristin Lavransdatter Lives in your Heart and Mind Forever
Review: I read this book 25 years ago and I still recommend it to everyone. Times may change, but through the ages women face the same trials, heartbreaks, and responsibilities that are unique in our roles as daughters, mothers, and wives. Reading this book as a young woman, I received insights into my own life and future. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Pure beauty.
Review: I think I'll be lazy and just say "amen" to the review written by hejblade from Eden Prairie. That review sums up what I think of this trilogy very well.Beautiful prose and characters you care about and identify with even though the era is so distant-it's a book that has it all. Highly recommended as a book you'll always be glad to have read, and will reread with joy (and sadness!).
Rating:
Summary: the best
Review: I thought this book was the best adventure I have ever read. I wish they would make a movie of it. Totally fascinating
Rating:
Summary: the best
Review: I thought this book was the best adventure I have ever read. I wish they would make a movie of it. Totally fascinating
Rating:
Summary: Kristin Lavransdatter: I II & III (Trilogy)
Review: I was totally engrossed in the story of Kristin Lavransdatter's life during the 14th century. I could not rest until I had read all three books of Sigrid Undset's trilogy. The books are incredibly well-written, however at times the archaic language does take some effort to get through. Sigrid Undset is one of the very best writers I have yet to come across with the exception of maybe Dostoievsky, Chekov, and a few others. Her books are packed full with information on 14th century medieval culture and customs, politics of Norway and Sweden, family life, Christianity and individual characters and she portrays everything so beautifully in such a flowing manner.
Rating:
Summary: Kristin Lavransdatter: I II & III (Trilogy)
Review: I was totally engrossed in the story of Kristin Lavransdatter's life during the 14th century. I could not rest until I had read all three books of Sigrid Undset's trilogy. The books are incredibly well-written, however at times the archaic language does take some effort to get through. Sigrid Undset is one of the very best writers I have yet to come across with the exception of maybe Dostoievsky, Chekov, and a few others. Her books are packed full with information on 14th century medieval culture and customs, politics of Norway and Sweden, family life, Christianity and individual characters and she portrays everything so beautifully in such a flowing manner.
Rating:
Summary: the Book for all times
Review: I've purchased this book 2 years ago, and 9 years have passed since I first read it. I tend to re-read it at least once per year, especially when the first buds of depression appear or I doubt the purpose of human life. The book is profound and epic in handling the storyline, it's well worth the Nobel prize. It's not a silly bodice-ripper or the story unnecessary embellished by descriptions of sumptuous feasts, glittering costumes, erotic scenes etc. Though, the descriptions of Norway's astute yet breathtaking nature are lavish. The author also expertly describes aspects of social and religious traditions of Norway in 14th century, way of living and thinking, standards of behavior and culture. It's the book where musings and inner conversations of the characters occupy paragraphs. If you've read this review so far you probably start thinking it's a boring and moralizing book. But behold this: the book spans the life story of Kristiin, daughter of noble parents, and her happy childhood, involves forbidden illicit passion, murder, her stormy and controversial marriage, pride in seeing her sons growing, estrangements and reunions, family feuds, a royal conspiracy, constant choice between earthly chores and consolation in God, heroic and mundane. We see the world as it has been through eyes of the three main characters, their joy, hatred, secret sorrow and passion. I've read quite a few excellent historical novels by modern writers (such as Zoe Oldenbourg, Margaret George, Sharon K Penmann), but this book is different. Read it and make sure yourself! Subject of the book is eternal. The choices the characters face and hardships they have to overcome are as old as humankind. The ultimate gift of the author, what makes this book different is that the reader feels both close and wrenching sympathy for Kristiin and her kind, but still they remain remote for their rhythm of life, way of thinking and world perception is 600 years old. But the thread of life spins through the pages and binds past and future and we feel tenderness of a caress, warmth of fire and pain from losses. For technology and traditions change, not the human nature itself.
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