Kristin Lavransdatter

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset 

1,144 pages 

Historical Fiction 

Originally published in Norwegian in 1920. Winner of the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature. A great piece of literature from a Scandinavian Catholic convert for #tbt.

Set in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, this epic novel (often divided into 3 separate books) follows Kristin Lavransdatter from precocious young woman bent on marrying (The Wreath) to wife birthing and raising children amidst political intrigue (The Wife) to old age (The Cross). Kristin's life is intertwined with others and the reader befriends beloved and not-so-beloved characters over the course of the saga. Heartbreaking in moments and hilarious in others. Just like life.

I started the first book after it was recommended to me by several people and found it a bit too spicy (sexual) for my taste. I almost didn't pick up the second book, but am so glad that I finally did! In book two, Kristin settles into the role of wife and the focus shifts from her sexuality to her domestic life and responsibilities. The Wife was my personal favorite! Then, book three shifts again as she prepares herself for death.

All the books were wonderfully unpredictable with the twists and turns of Kristin's life. The Middle Ages were a wild and violent time! The books were hard to put down and simultaneously spiritually edifying as the author plums the depths of faith and the human condition. Even though the saga is set in the Middle Ages, the reader will be able to relate to the emotions and spiritual longings of characters. I cried SO many tears reading these books!

Recommended For: Lovers of historical fiction. People interested in Scandinavia. People interested in the Middle Ages. People looking for a long epic saga that will sweep them up and leave them wishing for more. 

Note: This saga contains references to rape and acts of violence. Not for sensitive minds.