Kristin Lavransdatter: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An astounding piece of literature.
  • Well pleased
  • For the Litterati
  • Recommend individual books rather than the trilogy-in-one.
  • Be wary of the newer translations
Kristin Lavransdatter: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Sigrid Undset
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0143039164

Book Description

In her great historical epic Kristin Lavransdatter, set in fourteenth-century Norway, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset tells the life story of one passionate and headstrong woman. Painting a richly detailed backdrop, Undset immerses readers in the day-to-day life, social conventions, and political and religious undercurrents of the period. Now in one volume, Tiina Nunnally's award-winning definitive translation brings this remarkable work to life with clarity and lyrical beauty.

As a young girl, Kristin is deeply devoted to her father, a kind and courageous man. But when as a student in a convent school she meets the charming and impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn, she defies her parents in pursuit of her own desires. Her saga continues through her marriage to Erlend, their tumultuous life together raising seven sons as Erlend seeks to strengthen his political influence, and finally their estrangement as the world around them tumbles into uncertainty.

With its captivating heroine and emotional potency, Kristin Lavransdatter is the masterwork of Norway's most beloved author—one of the twentieth century's most prodigious and engaged literary minds—and, in Nunnally's exquisite translation, a story that continues to enthrall.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An astounding piece of literature........2007-07-23

I picked up this book to look a little deeper into my Norwegian heritage. I found not only a well written, well paced book, but a look into a raw piece of human emotion. This gave me a look into how hard life was back then. The characters are well rounded and believable. You can easily sympathize with almost all of them almost immediately. I applaud Sigrid Undset for her deep look into the life of a strong, fourteenth century, Norwegian woman, and all the people affected by her. The book follows the life of Kristin Lavransdatter. It starts when she is very young, and continues from there. Her marriage to Erlend is far from perfect. They love each other, that much is obvious, but they soon see that they don't see eye-to-eye on many things, and Kristin never lets Erlend, or herself forget the awful sin they committed. The book continues throughout Kristin's life. It goes right until the end where she finally finds peace with herself and the world. This is a book that you can read over and over again. Thank you Ms. Undset, for allowing us a rare glimpse into this world that is so unlike our own, yet you can connect on such a basic level that it is almost heart-breaking.

5 out of 5 stars Well pleased.......2007-07-07

This is an old book and I thought it might be out of print. However, Amazon quickly located a sturdy paperback version. I was so excited to find it because I haven't seen a copy of this book for many years. I gave it as a gift to my daughter for her birthday and she was so happy I was able to find it for her. Thanks, Amazon!

5 out of 5 stars For the Litterati.......2007-06-27

This historical novel (one of a series) is marvelously done. It is, however, for those whose tastes run to classic literary pieces. It is wonderful, but definitely not light reading. It is for those who like to read the books that are worthy of the great literary prizes.

4 out of 5 stars Recommend individual books rather than the trilogy-in-one........2007-06-20

I purchased this trilogy because I am going on A Prairie Home Companion Cruise and - what fun - there will be a book club to discuss at least The Wreath. I am 1/2 Norwegian and look forward to reading all three books in the trilogy. So far I am finding The Wreath to be very good reading. This review concentrates ONLY on the bulk of this edition. Since I will be reading this inflight and I tend to read in a very relaxed manner at home, I found the bulk of this book to be most uncomfortable. Alas, I ended up ordering the three individual books so I can carry one on-board and pack the other two away; I shall give this copy away. Just a thought if purchasing the three isn't a financial burden for you.

5 out of 5 stars Be wary of the newer translations.......2007-06-13

This book is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever come across, but the new translations do not do it justice. I have an old, old, hardcover and the language flows wonderfully. I picked up a new edition paperback with an updated translation, and yes, it was boring! Very Boring! Be sure to get hold of an old translation is you really want to enjoy the book.
Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Medieval Fairy Tale, but a modern story.
  • couldn't put the book down!
  • Harlequin Romance/Historical Fiction
  • Much ado about Nunnally
  • A splendid novel finally gets a splendid translation
Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics)
Sigrid Undset
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0141180412

Book Description

In Kristin Lavransdatter (1920-1922), Sigrid Undset interweaves political, social, and religious history with the daily aspects of family life to create a colorful, richly detailed tapestry of Norway during the fourteenth-century. The trilogy, however, is more than a journey into the past. Undset's own life-her familiarity with Norse sagas and folklore and with a wide range of medieval literature, her experiences as a daughter, wife, and mother, and her deep religious faith-profoundly influenced her writing. Her grasp of the connections between past and present and of human nature itself, combined with the extraordinary quality of her writing, sets her works far above the genre of "historical novels." This new translation by Tina Nunnally-the first English version since Charles Archer's translation in the 1920s-captures Undset's strengths as a stylist. Nunnally, an award-winning translator, retains the natural dialog and lyrical flow of the original Norwegian, with its echoes of Old Norse legends, while deftly avoiding the stilted language and false archaisms of Archer's translation. In addition, she restores key passages left out of that edition.

Undset's ability to present a meticulously accurate historical portrait without sacrificing the poetry and narrative drive of masterful storytelling was particularly significant in her homeland. Granted independence in 1905 after five hundred years of foreign domination, Norway was eager to reclaim its national history and culture. Kristin Lavransdatter became a touchstone for Undset's contemporaries, and continues to be widely read by Norwegians today. In the more than 75 years since it was first published, it has also become a favorite throughout the world.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Medieval Fairy Tale, but a modern story. .......2007-06-12

The story takes place in fourteenth-century Norway and is essentially about a young girl's journey into womanhood. Kristin Lavransdatter is a young maiden from a close, well-to-do family who falls head-over-heals in love with an impetuous, young man (Erlend Nikulausson) with a tainted reputation. And rightfully so, for Erlend, like so many young men of his age, is a major screw-up, for a lack of a better definition. To complicate matters even more, Kristin is already engaged (in an arranged marriage) to a most prim and proper young man by the name of Simon. Obviously, Kristin's parents and family wish her to obey them and marry Mr. Nice Guy (Simon). However, like so many young, impressionable women, she goes gaga over the bad boy with the great looks and charismatic appeal. Ergo, when she finally does make her choice - all hell breaks loose.

I enjoyed the novel. It was a bit slow at times, and I wish that Undset would develope her characters a little more, but overall it was a very pleasurable read. I definitely would never go so far as to label this one a 'Harlequin Romance'. It is beautifully written and very nicely translated by Tiina Nunnally (yes, that is how Tiina spells her name). I am interested in reading the next two books of this medieval triology - ("The Wife" and "The Cross") mainly because I want to see if this marriage truly does work out. I am not so sure at the moment, because there is no denying that Erlend is a bit of a cad and it is too early to tell if Kristin is truly in love or lust. If I had to guess, I would go with the former, however, even if that is the case, both of these young people ended up hurting quite a few others along the way while carrying out their secret tryst. And we all know about KARMA and how it has a way of sooner or later rearing it's ugly head.

I have never been a big fan of novels written about the medieval times, so I knew beforehand that this novel might be a bit of a challenge for a guy like me. However, I was pleasantly suprised and like I said, I will be definitely picking up the second book of the trilogy "The Wife" to see just what happens next in this epic, Norweigan soap opera. If your are a fan of love stories and/or medieval tales, than odds are you will enjoy this classic. There is a reason why the author Undset won a Nobel Prize (among countless other awards) and also why so many critics loved this trilogy. This novel is very well constructed and there is no doubt one can relate with a story that is just as relevant and prevalent today as it was seven hundred years ago. Like the old Paul Anka song goes "and they called it, puppy loooooooooove..." I know, I know, I can't stand that song either, but it's the first song that comes to mind when describing this story.

Hope you enjoy it!

4 out of 5 stars couldn't put the book down!.......2007-04-28

Wonderful book. Worth the read. Hardest part of the book is deciphering the names and following the family lineage.

1 out of 5 stars Harlequin Romance/Historical Fiction.......2006-12-24

Kristin Lavransdatter misses being Clan of the Cave Bear by that much. Ayla is a Chronic Victim. Kristin Lavransdatter born today would be every litigant on Judge Judy who lent thousands of dollars to Deadbeat Men they Really Loved Because They Were Soulmates.

What makes this book such a unique outrage is that it otherwise would have been a fascinating window on Medieval Norway; unfortunately, Sigrid Undset decided to make her main character a total ninny, while having the other characters react to her as if she were some kind of paragon. Other than Erland and Kristin, the other characters are actually likeable people. Well, except for the tiresome and tedious, self-pitying mother. So the effect is this anachronistic duo fouling the strong mead of Medieval Norway with the 40-ounce malt beverage that is them. When the other characters go on about Kristin, we don't believe them, and it only adds insult to injury.

I mean, under the circumstances, must we hear, "She has wise eyes, this daughter of yours..." ?

Note to Sigrid Undset (which she can't read, because she's dead, which is a mixed blessing because at least it means she can't write any other books. Happy Times in Norway was excruciating, too.):If a character is going to be a totally self-destructive idiot, then in order to remain sympathetic, the character needs to have some kind of motivation that resonates with us, and gives us the sense that, if this character had been born in another place and time, there might actually have been a way out for her. So, in Anna Karenina's case, she was married off to a man she doesn't love, and in Emma Bovary's case, we get the sense that things would have turned out a bit better for her had she been given some kind of intellectual outlet and a purpose in life. (And we also know in advance that Gustave Flaubert personally hated everyone in the human race, so we can forgive her for being painted in such a harsh light by the creator who hated her so deeply). This is the actual definition of Tragedy. The character must act consistent with her nature, and events twist those actions into something horrible, and the events are inexorable.

In Kristin's case, there is no such motivation. And there is no logic. If she could defy everyone to run off with Erland, then why couldn't she have defied everyone to marry Arne Gyrdson in the first place? As for the new translation, I'm glad the double-wide trailer has a better coat of paint.

5 out of 5 stars Much ado about Nunnally.......2006-12-21

I love Undset, but know nothing about Norwegian. I, too, like some of the other reviewers here, was at first disappointed with the modernized translation of Nunnally--until I was told that in fact Undset wrote in contemporary, not mediaeval, Norwegian. The subject matter is mediaeval; the language is supposed to be 20th century. The Elizabethanized language of the previous translation is really a tic of the translator, not something called for by the Norwegian original. (Some of the other reviewers here objected that Vol. II is entitled by Nunnally "The Wife" rather than, as in Archer's, "The Mistress of Husaby." But you will see that the Norwegian title is "Husfrue," as in the German "Hausfrau," or "Housewife." "Wife" is therefore in fact the proper translation.) I have it on good authority from someone who knows Scandinavian languages that Nunnally's translation is superb.

Another merit of Nunnally is that she restores quite a bit of text that had been bowdlerized by Archer. Check out the difference, to cite just one example that I have noticed, between the way Nunnally and Archer portray the key scene when Erlend takes Kristin's maidenhood:

Nunnally: "Kristin was trembling--she thought it was because her heart was pounding so hard--and her hands were clammy and cold. When he kissed the bare skin above her knee, she tried powerlessly to push him away. Erlend raised his face for a moment, and she was suddenly reminded of a man who had once been given food at the convent--he had kissed the bread they handed to him. She sank back into the hay with open arms and let Erlend do as he liked" (p. 145).

Archer: "Kristin shook--it must be because her heart beat so--her hands were cold and clammy. As he kissed her vehemently she weakly tried to push him from her. Erlend lifted his face a moment--she thought of a man who had been given food at the convent one day--he had kissed the bread they gave him. She sank back upon the hay...." (p. 129).

The two are pretty close where Archer actually gives you the text, but he prudishly leaves out some key stuff (I'm assuming Nunnally is not putting anything in that's not there in the original). The ellipses there at the end of the Archer translation are his own, and you find them throughout the text just at the, um, interesting parts. With both translations given above, something is left to the imagination, as Undset surely wanted it, but with Archer's, you are missing text! Undset expected her readers to be perceptive, not prophetic. And this is a pivotal moment in the plot, when just the right measure is needed. Readers of Archer's translation have to wonder why, in the next chapter, Kristin keeps feeling her belly and thinking she must be carrying Erlend's child, until they go back to the ellipses and realize what the translator must have omitted. This is the only clear example of Archer's censoring I've come across, but I am told there are plenty more.

5 out of 5 stars A splendid novel finally gets a splendid translation.......2006-09-16

I first discovered Kristin when I was fifteen, in Charles Archer's gummy, faux-Howard Pyle translation (it's also Bowdlerized) While I loved the story, I knew that this couldn't be the way Sigrid Undset wrote it. She was a scholar of the sagas, and their language is plain and direct, not lifted from some Errol Flynn movie.

Thank you, Tiina Nunnally, for giving us the real deal. The stark, direct translation suits the story. This is not a romance novel. This is a story about real people, real passion, and real disappointment and heartache. Even though Kristin gets the guy, she's going to find that 'having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting'. It's been a long wait, but Kristin and her life story finally have their real voice in English.



Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics)
  • no title
  • Kristin Lavransdatter, The Wreath, The Wife, The Cross
  • I'm not usually moved by books but....
  • Bringing It All Together
Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics)
Sigrid Undset
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0141182350
Release Date: 2000-04-03

Book Description

The definitive new translation of the masterwork of Scandinavia's most beloved author is now complete.

Kristin Lavransdatter is a story of love, loyalty, and betrayal, set against a richly detailed historical backdrop of fourteenth-century Norway. The Cross (1922) finds Kristin returning with her husband, Erlend, and their sons to her childhood home, Jorundgaard. As the boys grow older, Kristin is increasingly worried about their prospects, and she and Erlend become estranged. The most devastating and emotional volume in the trilogy, The Cross chronicles the trials and losses Kristin must bear. Tiina Nunnally's exquisite rendering of this unforgettable novel, both more faithful to the beauty of the original Norwegian and more readable than the existing translation, is the first new English translation of Undset's masterpiece.

Translated with Notes by Tiina Nunnally and introduction by Sherrill Harbison

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics).......2007-03-10

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read good literature.

5 out of 5 stars no title.......2006-02-02

After having read all three books - Wow! She deserved the Nobel Prize. This last book is a great read - much exciting stuff. And how she understood what a mother feels about her sons - and their leaving her.

5 out of 5 stars Kristin Lavransdatter, The Wreath, The Wife, The Cross.......2004-07-10

Sigrid Undset is a master at character and place. She seamlessly draws you into medieval Norway while captivating you with the depth and humanity of her characters. I read them breathlessly captivated. No wonder Ms. Undset received a Nobel Prize for these historical novels--among the best I've ever read. Bravo, Sigrid Undset.

5 out of 5 stars I'm not usually moved by books but...........2003-09-10

...this one brought me to tears in more than one place. If you're reading "The Cross," or considering purchasing it, you've probably already read the first two books in the series and are caught up in the story. Is this book worth it? Yes. It's not an uplifting read by any means, but it brings the Kristin story to a logical -- though heartbreaking -- conclusion. I am in awe of Undset for her creation of such believable characters, and grateful to her for this glimpse into medieval life. Nunnally's translation is clear and reads smoothly. This, along with "The Wreath" and "The Wife," is one of those books you hate to see end.

5 out of 5 stars Bringing It All Together.......2002-08-05

THE CROSS is the final shattering novel in Sigrid Undset's KRISTAN LAVRANSDATTER trilogy. In it, Kristin reaps both the rewards and sorrows of the choices she sowed in the first two volumes.

In the first novel, Kristin's passion for Erlend Nikulausson led her to break her betrothal to Simon Andresson. In the second volume, Kristin sought to atone for her sin (she was already pregnant when she celebrated her wedding with Erlend), but had to struggle to forgive Erlend for leading her astray. In THE CROSS, the consequences of Kristin's choices all come to a head. The first section of the novel focuses on Simon, who has been a faithful friend to Kristin and Erlend, even as he continued to harbor feelings for Kristin. In the mid-section of the novel, Kristin and Erlend strive to find peace with one another. While their passion for one another never died, they were never fully able to overcome the mismatch in their marriage. And in the final section, we follow Kristin as she seeks acceptance from her seven sons, and most importantly from God.

For while KRISTIN LAVRANSDATTER seems to be a novel about love, friendship, and marriage, its deepest message is about the struggle of deeply-flawed humans to reconcile themselves with God. The trilogy is set in medieval Norway and all of the characters order their lives (as best they can) around the Christian moral order. Even as they knowingly fail, the Faith is a part of the very air they breathe.

The miracle of Sigrid Undset's trilogy is the clarity of her perception into the human condition. All of these characters live and breathe, and (more startling) we see clearly how they impact each other through the tangled webs of their lives. But Undset's literary talent is embedded in a sharp religious vision, which points to God's relationship with us as sinners. Undset never denies the good in Kristin's passion for Erlend. Nor does she hide the devastating consequences their passion had on each other and on all of the lives they touched. Often, to sin is not to choose that which is evil, but rather to choose a lesser good. Yet as the saying goes, God can write straight with crooked lines, and at the end of this extraordinary trilogy, Kristin comes to see how God has been with her through all of the light *and* through all of the dark. We walk away from the novel enthralled by the grandeur of the story we live out in this fallen world, and the enormous love God has for us.

Rereading Sigrid Undset's classic trilogy has been one of my most rewarding projects this summer.
Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics)
  • After the Romance
  • Kristin Lavransdatter II, The Bride
  • The Heart of the Medieval Mind
  • What a great read!
Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics)
Sigrid Undset
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Family SagaFamily Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0141181281

Book Description

In Kristin Lavransdatter (1920-1922), Sigrid Undset interweaves political, social, and religious history with the daily aspects of family life to create a colorful, richly detailed tapestry of Norway during the fourteenth-century. The trilogy, however, is more than a journey into the past. Undset's own life—her familiarity with Norse sagas and folklore and with a wide range of medieval literature, her experiences as a daughter, wife, and mother, and her deep religious faith—profoundly influenced her writing. Her grasp of the connections between past and present and of human nature itself, combined with the extraordinary quality of her writing, sets her works far above the genre of "historical novels." This new translation by Tina Nunnally—the first English version since Charles Archer's translation in the 1920s—captures Undset's strengths as a stylist. Nunnally, an award-winning translator, retains the natural dialog and lyrical flow of the original Norwegian, with its echoes of Old Norse legends, while deftly avoiding the stilted language and false archaisms of Archer's translation. In addition, she restores key passages left out of that edition.

Undset's ability to present a meticulously accurate historical portrait without sacrificing the poetry and narrative drive of masterful storytelling was particularly significant in her homeland. Granted independence in 1905 after five hundred years of foreign domination, Norway was eager to reclaim its national history and culture. Kristin Lavransdatter became a touchstone for Undset's contemporaries, and continues to be widely read by Norwegians today. In the more than 75 years since it was first published, it has also become a favorite throughout the world.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics).......2007-03-10

A great book for those who love to read good literature.

5 out of 5 stars After the Romance.......2002-07-17

Most romance novels present us with the trials and tribulations of star-crossed lovers, who in the end marry and live happily ever after. The first volume of Sigrid Undset's fine trilogy, THE WREATH, took us through the romance between Kristin Lavransdatter and Erland, concluding in their wedding. Unlike most romance novels, however, that novel foreshadowed the difficulties that the protagonists were likely to encounter in marriage. THE WIFE is the story of that marriage, with all of its strengths and weaknesses.

Once again, Undset succeeds in depicting a wide range of real people, in all their human glory. Kristin begins the novel with a pilgrimage in penance for her sin (she was already pregnant on her wedding day), and while she finds forgiveness, she struggles through the rest of the novel to learn how to forgive her husband. Erland begins the novel as an irresponsible man who seems lucky to have someone like Kristin. By the end of the novel, we see him rising above anything that could have been expected of him as he faces torture and imprisonment with dignity. There are no good guys and bad guys here, just human beings doing their best, yet struggling with their own passions and limitations. Undset's insight into the human condition is remarkable. And while Kristin and Erland do not achieve the illusory, romantic happiness that is celebrated in most romance novels, they find themselves with something much richer: a marriage in which a husband and a wife have learned to love each other in full knowledge of their mutual failings.

Undset was a great student of human nature, and she particularly understood our failings and our need to find redemption. By the end of the novel, Kristin has learned much in life, but her journey is not yet over. And so we move on to the final volume, THE CROSS.

5 out of 5 stars Kristin Lavransdatter II, The Bride.......2000-04-14

Sigrid Undset was the first woman to win the Nobel prize for literature. Since Kristin Lavransdatter was first published in America in the 1920s, succeeding generations have read it and found Kristin and Erland's story resonated in their hearts in a way that few books do. Undset has the rare gift of understanding the inner feelings of men as well as women.

Those who have struggled with the artificially archaic language of Charles Archer's translation will welcome this new version by Tiina Nunnally. She has also restored some parts that Archer eliminated, perhaps because he found them too sexually explicit for readers of English in the 1920s.

But, by all means start with the first volume, which, with volume III, is also available in the Nunnally translation.

Edmond Bliven

5 out of 5 stars The Heart of the Medieval Mind.......2000-03-12

Sigrid Undset perfectly captures one of the essential personal conflicts of the Middle Ages: the strictures of the Church and a patriarchal society on love and marriage. Having followed her heart and her feelings of love, Kristin is unfortunately therefore placed at odds with her family and the Church. Her search for reconciliation (or at least some accomodation) is fascinating, a marvelous spiritual journey. The typical medieval mind often had the terror of hellfire hanging over it, and we see this in the early part of this novel, as Kristin, full of guilt, makes a pilgrimage with her newborn son to find redemption. The politics of feudalism eventually intrude and complicate her life, as her husband becomes more involved in court intrigues. This translation is most excellent: it beats the silly pseudo-Old English one from the 1920's. I hope Tiina Nunnally will eventually translate all of Undset's works!

5 out of 5 stars What a great read!.......2000-02-01

This book is simply wonderful! I cannot wait until the third volume of this excellent translation is released. Kristen's life, though lived on a different continent, in a very different culture and society, so many ages ago, rings so true to contemporary life. The trials and joys that she experiences make this book a wonderful read. And what a romance it is, too! If your looking for a good story by a good storyteller, pick this up--start with the first book, though!
The Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol.1
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • this translation is insufferable
  • Ummm...
  • addicting
  • Timeless 'saga'
  • Fabulous book: make sure you read Andrew Lytle's commentary
The Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol.1
Sigrid Undset
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. The Mistress of Husaby: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol. 2 The Mistress of Husaby: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol. 2
  2. Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics)
  3. Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics)
  4. Thais Thais
  5. Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: 0394752996
Release Date: 1987-05-12

Book Description

Volume one of the trilogy; Kristin's girlhood.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars this translation is insufferable .......2005-01-13

This translation is difficult--difficult to read without gagging, that is. It's extremely stilted and affected. Every sentence reads something like this:

"When the child Kristin was seven years old, it so fell out that she got leave to go with her father..."

I don't have a problem with archaic language per se, but the translators of this version have no ear for language of any kind, in my opinion, and so this archaic prose never achieves any kind of naturalness.

Part of the problem may be that the translators never met an archaism they didn't like. In nearly EVERY line of the book Kristin "must needs" do this or would "nowise that" or so-and-so "was always for making merry."

It was so overdone--and so badly done--that I had trouble focusing on the story instead of on the irritating prose.

If you're interested in style and prose quality as well as plot, don't even think about buying this version.... get the Penguin translation instead.

3 out of 5 stars Ummm..........2002-02-25

The book was pretty good, but WHY IS KRISTIN SUCH AN IDIOT?
That really annoyed me.

5 out of 5 stars addicting.......2001-05-11

I bought this book when I was sick and by the time I got better I was addicted to the story. I immediately purchased the 2nd and 3rd books in the trilogy. Sigrid Undset is a master storyteller and incredibly descriptive about the characters, landscape, and history. If you like historical fiction, this is a must-read.

3 out of 5 stars Timeless 'saga'.......2001-04-30

I discovered this book while looking for Norway-related fiction--in preparation for a summer trip there. Although I found the language a bit difficult, I enjoyed the book and found it strangely restful. I cannot say why, but I got an overall sense of peace reading several sections of the book. I understand there may be more 'modern' translations and perhaps that would work better for me. This story of a young couple who are determined to marry despite many objections, does seem timeless and relevant. And, the historical notes are well done and help give a sense of life in Norway during the 13-1400's? (I believe that is the correct timeframe.) If you are interested in a good 'story', with what appears to be a sound historical perspective, try this one.

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous book: make sure you read Andrew Lytle's commentary.......1999-02-05

Dittos to the praise bestowed on the monumental work, but for a complete understanding order "Kristin: A Reading" by the great novelist/critic, Andrew Lytle (I bought mine from Amazon)
Kristin Lavransdatter - 3 Volumes The Bridal Wreath The
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Kristin Lavransdatter - 3 Volumes The Bridal Wreath The

    Manufacturer: Knopf Borzoi
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000HZB0M0
    Kristin Lavransdatter (Three Volumes: The Bridal Wreath; The Mistress of Husaby; The Cross)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Kristin Lavransdatter (Three Volumes: The Bridal Wreath; The Mistress of Husaby; The Cross)

      Manufacturer: Alfred A.Knopf
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000COF5HM

      Product Description

      Three volumes. Trilogy set in medieval Scandinavia by Nobel Prize-winning novelist. This edition is in the English language.
      The Mistress of Husaby: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol. 2
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • no title
      • One of the best books I ever read
      • This book will stay with me the rest of my life.
      • An enlightening look at life in 14th century Norway...
      The Mistress of Husaby: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol. 2
      Sigrid Undset
      Manufacturer: Vintage
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      GermanGerman | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter III: The Cross (Penguin Classics)
      2. The Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol.1 The Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter, Vol.1
      3. Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter I: The Wreath (Penguin Classics)
      4. Kristin Lavransdatter III The Cross Kristin Lavransdatter III The Cross
      5. Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics) Kristin Lavransdatter II: The Wife (Penguin Classics)

      ASIN: 0394752937
      Release Date: 1987-05-12

      Book Description

      Part two is the story of Kristin's fifteen years of troubled married life on the great estate of Husaby.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars no title.......2006-02-02

      Not as good as the first volume. Beginning was horribly slow, but it picked up nicely in the last third or so. But you must read this one if you intend to do the whole trilogy, which is five star, all the way. Gripping and fascinating tale.

      5 out of 5 stars One of the best books I ever read.......2003-01-09

      I found an ancient copy of this book on my shelf that had been my father's. It actually fell apart by the time I finished reading it. The translation was very hard to read but it made me read everything thoroughly to understand what was going on. The prose made me feel as though I was acutally living during the 1300's. My emotions went all over the place and I could really identify with Kristen. Life at that time was so fragile and I found the characters amazingly positive and uplifting most of the time in spite of all the trials and tribulations that were experienced. Kristen's love for Erland was remarkable and seldom wavered in spite of the fact that he had glaring flaws that she could see. The tragedy is hard to match but I found I couldn't put the book down. Coming from a Nordic background helped me appreciate what my ancestors probably experienced in such a harsh world. I am looking forward to reading Sigrid Undset's other books.

      5 out of 5 stars This book will stay with me the rest of my life........1998-09-02

      Please don't read this book without having read The Bridal Wreath first, you must have the foundation laid before you can appreciate Kristin and her family and her life. This book tugged at me so emotionally that to this day I still feel her feelings, I still get upset and her and Erlend. It is well written and not only does it explain life has it may have been at that time, it still has a ring of now, even though it was written in 1928. But above-all it captures and sends you to a world you will want to be a part of forever. DO NOT MISS THESE BOOKS!

      3 out of 5 stars An enlightening look at life in 14th century Norway..........1998-08-24

      Though the political details and language slowed me down at times, I found it fascinating to learn what life was like for a woman in Norway in the 1300's. The social, economic, and political aspects of the time are interestingly and thoroughly presented. I would suggest that not too many years go by between reading the books in the trilogy because you will have a greater appreciation for what is going on if you remember details from the previous books.
      Kristin Lavransdatter Volume III: The Cross
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Kristin Lavransdatter Volume III: The Cross

        Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000GGZB7K
        The Bridal Wreath Vol 1
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Bridal Wreath Vol 1
          Kristin Lavransdatter
          Manufacturer: Knopf
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover
          ASIN: B000NQ6XLG

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