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Kristin Lavransdatter, II: The Wife
Kristin Lavransdatter, II: The Wife | Sigrid Undset
19 posts | 13 read | 5 to read
Kristin Lavransdatter 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 lifeher 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 faithprofoundly 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 Nunnallythe first English version since Charles Archer's translation in the 1920scaptures 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. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. From the Trade Paperback edition.
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TheBookHippie
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Pickpick

OHMYWORD LOVE LOVE LOVE

So glad there is Book III #KRISTINL

Larkken The flags are many and look so pretty!! 3y
TheBookHippie @Larkken my chunksters generally end up looking this way. So much to think about in the text with this read. 3y
Lcsmcat I‘m glad for book 3 too. There‘s way too much unsettled!!! 3y
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TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I have soooo many questions !!!! What the world ! 3y
Lcsmcat Knowing the title of Book 3, I really thought Zetland was going to be executed for treason. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat MEEE TOO!! I was holding my breath for it to happen! Just WOW. What a journey! The feelings of Simon as well, WOW. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Simon‘s feelings didn‘t surprise me - still waters run deep - but I was surprised he let them slip in front of Erland. I have to confess that I can‘t remember what the scandal was between Sir Erling and Halfrid that made Sir E change his mind. Do you? And was it stated or implied? (edited) 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I searched for it and found this on GOODREADS.Erling and Halfrid maybe were lovers when Halfrid was married to the abusive first husband. Simon implies Erling could have saved her and to atone for not saving her, Erling should help Kristin. Erling basically says, “look dude, that was a long time ago, and Halfrid committing adultery and running off would not have helped her and besides Kristin is no saint.” (edited) 3y
TheBookHippie Simon is then embarrassed he brought it up and realizes it was dishonorable to try to shame the nobleman by trying to manipulate him based on his past, especially when he‘s kind of right about Kristin. That‘s my read, though it is kind of convoluted. But Simon has very convoluted and precious ideas about what‘s proper and what isn‘t.....@Lscmcat part 2 of the answer I found 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I think it‘s all implied. I was going to go back and reread. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I got Simon‘s embarrassment, I jut couldn‘t remember the scandal. The whole business with him helping her and almost ignoring his newborn was painful. And Kristin, who seems happiest about motherhood over any other aspect of her life, to leave her kids behind, even an unweaned baby, was unbelievable. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat Her move I got, she loves her husband above all else, beyond even her control I think. His I understand: he loves her, I think he can‘t help hisself either -however, that doesn‘t make either thing wrong actually or right, I‘m thinking this was the authors personal dilemma too. It reads really personal. AND it‘s all believable to me 😱. There‘s an old story my grandma told ⬇️ 3y
TheBookHippie I was reminded of in this section. Two women were walking and asked if you had to chose between your husband and your baby who would you pick. The one lady said my baby and I‘d get a new husband the other said my husband I‘d make a new baby. Which is right? 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I do think Kristin feels guilty over her words and realised oh wait I really love my husband I was cruel. And wants another chance. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Yes, I sometimes think Kristin is nothing but guilt. 😆 It does seem really personal. I agree. I don‘t believe in the concept of “can‘t help himself,” for what it‘s worth. Especially when it comes to infidelity. If it‘s possible to live a celibate life, which it is, then nothing your spouse does makes you have to commit adultery. So Erland did kind of set himself up for what happened. Not that he deserved torture or execution. 3y
Lcsmcat But he didn‘t deserve to get off Scott free. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat Yes, infidelity is definitely a choice and only the fault of the two involved. I think some people are weaker than others in that regard.. My daughters Art History prof was a nun, I remember her sex talks -they were mind bending, she was very intune with her decision to be celibate and why. She would like this read I‘m thinking. I can argue for and against if love is a choice 😂 As for guilt it‘s in Jewish DNA 😂 I‘m well versed. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I‘m thinking he‘ll pay the rest of his life. They both will. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I meant Simon can‘t help loving Kristin. Not her husband cheating 😱 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I think Catholics are very well versed in guilt! 😂 We Episcopalians often say we have all the pageantry without the guilt. 😂 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I agree re Simon. Feelings can‘t be controlled, but actions can. I have felt sorry for him since the beginning. Even before she cheated on him, Kristin didn‘t value him. 3y
66 likes21 comments
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Lcsmcat
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I‘m enjoying the story (although I sometimes want to throw it across the room in frustration with Kristin and Erlend‘s stupidity) but mostly I‘m enjoying the writing. Undset‘s descriptions of the landscape rival Cather‘s, and that final sunset scene? Amazing! But our girl seems to always learn things too late, and Erlend just won‘t grow up. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #kristinl @TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie I‘m with you in the book throwing !!!! It‘s like watching an errant child ! The writing and the scenery is just beyond beautiful, stunning actually. Do you think she is writing cathartically and thus the beauty? I‘m very much still in love with this book. The desire to read her settled is huge. Maybe this is her story of her journey to find peace ? I hope we read peace for her soul at some point. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I hope so too, but it may be Book 3 before we get it. 3y
Hooked_on_books This picture is gorgeous! 😍 3y
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TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I hope it happens then … 3y
Lcsmcat @Hooked_on_books It‘s from the Internet, since I‘ve never been to Norway. But this book makes me want to go. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Confession time: We left Kristin and Erland in such a predicament and I had extra reading time today, so, I finished it. ☺️ Let me know if you finish before Saturday and we can start discussing. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat JUST FINISHED !!!!! Oh . My. So. Good. Cannot wait to read more! 3y
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Lcsmcat
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While this ends sadly, with the death of K‘s beloved father, it felt more hopeful to me. She‘s gaining maturity, her relationship with her mother is improving, and there was a lighter feel. But it made me sad that she couldn‘t attend her father‘s funeral. #kristinl @TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie A little light at last, I agree. I hope this is a shift for her life. I‘m anxious to read more. It‘s odd, it‘s quite soothing to read, you get lost in the story so quickly! And yet it breaks your heart too. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie That‘s a good description! 3y
32 likes2 comments
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Lcsmcat
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This volume isn‘t getting any happier, is it? Unset fell in love with a married man who took 3 years to divorce his wife and marry her. They weren‘t married very long, separating when she was pregnant with their third child and divorcing soon after. I think she was working through some personal stuff here. 😏 #kristinl @TheBookHippie

Suet624 I love this series of books. I‘ve read them twice. 3y
TheBookHippie Could be or giving it a voice. I imagine in this time any form of talking about any of it was taboo. Writing is therapeutic and all of ones life is foder yes? I do love it. I think this would be a good sociology theology class book, imagine the discussions!!! I did take this with me all week to library sale working. Lots of interest and no one ever heard of it!! 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I‘ve had the same reaction. I never heard of this book or this author until Litsy. And I‘m glad I‘m reading it now. This section is just a bit dark. 3y
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TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I saw it on BOOKSTAGRAM then here! 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat This past section reminded me of friends I know who concentrate on SIN and certain sins and all the 'price you must pay' type nonsense. Their world is so so dark. Isn't that strange as The Christ is supposed to be the LIGHT of the world. I certainly believe the Divine is LIGHT. It was an interesting section for sure. I keep thinking on it!
3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Agreed. I‘m hoping they find their way out of that darkness and back to love before this volume is done. 3y
27 likes7 comments
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TheBookHippie
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#KristinL we almost had a book throwing incident this week, alas, still in love with this book. The writing is just gorgeous!

Early morning patio time with my girl 🤍

Tamra Lovely! 3y
Lcsmcat I‘m intrigued by all your post-it flags. Are they quotes you want to remember? Things to investigate further? 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat Quotes,things to look up, scripture to look up, identifying passages to my life. Things that spoke to me to further think on. 3y
65 likes3 comments
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Lcsmcat
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Let me just put this out there - This section made me angry. I try to judge a work by its own time and place in history, but the extreme difficulty of the birth, followed by forcing a barefoot pilgrimage just weeks after giving birth, because _she_ sinned? Compared to the penance he did, for the same sin? All I can say is, that innocent baby better not bear any more of this “fruits of sin” nonsense. And E. better get his act together. #kristinl

TheBookHippie Sounds like my town. I got married and divorced before I was 22. I am still considered that divorced woman because I filed. 🤦🏻‍♀️ EVEN now when I have been with Mr BookHippie 30 years. So it just was like “yup that‘s Christians”. I do hope it doesn‘t continue but I probably does, which is infuriating… ugh. I was almost at book throwing point in frustration ! 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Please allow me to apologize on behalf of Christianity for what was done to you. That‘s not who I am, or who my God is. Which is why this section made me angry. It perpetuates that judgement-filled, misogynistic, BS, which is the exact opposite of the teachings of Christ. There‘s too much judgment and not enough love in the world. I‘m hoping that Kristin‘s little boy has a happier life, with the kind of love K. got from her father. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat my town is 98 percent alt right Evangelical. I am Jewish by blood on my paternal side. Maternal side is Catholic and my parents took us to every Protestant type church there is. I‘m married to a Christian. My faith is more a meld. As a family we worship at a USA Presbyterian. Judaism is more cultural and the way I live: do justice love mercy walk humbly. I have a relationship with the Divine. Not a religion, is the easiest explanation. (edited) 3y
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Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I can get from here to my mother‘s house on I-40 or US 64. Choosing one does not make the other wrong. That‘s my philosophy. I choose the Episcopal church as my path to Truth, but I firmly believe that there are many, many paths and that we are all created in the image of the Divine and our purpose in this life is to love one another. No exceptions. I fight hard against judging others (it‘s so hard not to!) and thus, 👇🏻 3y
Lcsmcat 👆🏻my dilemma with this section. I still love the story, but I want it to goin a direction I‘m afraid it isn‘t going. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat It‘s unfortunately all I‘ve ever experienced in almost 5 decades here in my town. I do know it isn‘t ALL but other than Mr BookHippie it is almost ALL I know here. Unfortunate for sure. I travel frequently and have lived all over in childhood, so I know it‘s not all. I‘d be afraid to let anyone here read this they might make it a manual! OY. I agree about the book. I‘m anxious it‘ll continue. Poor girl. I see it so often in teen moms. 3y
TheBookHippie FYI our home church is 2.5 hours away in Chicago 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie That‘s quite a commute. 😂 I hope they do online services. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat Yes they do, thank goodness. 3y
29 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Lcsmcat
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So marriage for our girl Kristin is not the happily ever after of fairy tales. She‘s homesick and feeling guilty, trying to hide a too-soon pregnancy, and, worst of all, playing the “if you don‘t know why I‘m unhappy, I‘m not going to tell you” game with Erlend. A pretty dark (appropriate to the winter season?) opening to this volume. But she‘s proving herself a capable manager so she just might turn Husby around. #kristinl @TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie I admire her clean this hot mess up and organise and put to rights attitude … but the other seems childish, speak UP girl! Still loving the read. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie And I like how she took to her step-son. That could have been a really bad relationship. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I agree, I think he likes her despite himself, my favorite was her pretending the servants were not understanding and then going over it with them to get a task done. Brilliant. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Yes! That showed some shrewd thinking! 3y
36 likes4 comments
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TheBookHippie
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#KristinL

I love my visits with this book every week.

This week was 🤯 so glad to finally sit with this book outside in the cooler temperatures.

Lcsmcat It was that kind of week here too! So good to relax with our girl Kristin. 3y
58 likes1 comment
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TheBookHippie
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@Lcsmcat OMG and then OMG 😳🤯🧡🤐
Back to reading … #KristinL

Lcsmcat It just keeps on, doesn‘t it? 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I am speechless 🤯😳 also I love it. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie Me too! I can‘t believe I hadn‘t heard of it before Litsy! 3y
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TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat why it isn‘t wildly read is beyond me. 3y
Lcsmcat I couldn‘t stop reading. But I won‘t post a review until you‘re done to avoid spoilers. 😀 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I am done with our section thus book one! I'm having a moment with myself ever since!!! I never get the chance to read my section this early let alone finish it! It was soooo good!!! 3y
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TheBookHippie
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1. Anything over 700 pages

2. Read I never do Audio it‘s not my thing

#TWO4TUESDAY

TheSpineView Thanks for playing and happy Tuesday! 3y
39 likes1 comment
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TheBookHippie
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@Lcsmcat and I are reading through if you wish to join us -this is our schedule for Book two! #KristinL

LauraBrook How funny - some of my friends on YouTube are reading this book this month too! 3y
TheBookHippie @LauraBrook We are just finishing book one. It‘s wonderful. 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie If your volume has the introduction to Book 2 by Sherrill Harbison, it is worth postponing chapter one to read. It‘s only about 20 pages, and full of Norwegian history that I am totally unfamiliar with. 3y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat oh I‘ll look, it‘s been a crazy busy few days here. I planned to pick it up tonight. I love learning new history! 3y
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Lcsmcat
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One week until we start the second novel of this trilogy. Anyone who‘s read The Wreath and wants to jump in is welcome. @TheBookHippie #kristinl

TheBookHippie I‘m so excited!!!! Thanks 💚💚💚 3y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I‘m really enjoying it! 3y
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Freespirit
The Wife | Sigrid Undset
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I am onto the last book in this 3 part saga of Kristin Lavransdatter incorporating The Wreath, The Wife and now onto The Cross. It‘s held my interest despite the wordiness, and complicated names. I love the character of Kristin..but am not so in love with her husband...life was tough in the 14 century😕
I‘m also working on decorating my old jeans to give them a 70‘s look for a party 🌸🌺
#chunksterchallenge #litsycraft

Chrissyreadit I did not like her husband. 3y
Texreader Glad you are liking this trilogy so much. I sure did. 3y
JennyM You look like you are having fun. Enjoy your party 💃 3y
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Freespirit I felt the same @Chrissyreadit .. very annoying! 3y
Freespirit It is a real commitment..very worthwhile read @Texreader (edited) 3y
Freespirit Hi @JennyM it should be fun. I loved the 70‘s💕 3y
Gogobooks In my top favorite books of all time, this trilogy 3y
Freespirit It‘s a slog.. but so worth it @Gogobooks 🙂 3y
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review
MiqueMarie
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Pickpick

CAWPILE Rating: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vcXoB38tSUI

C- 9

A- 8

W- 8

P- 6

I- 7

L- 8

E- 6

Avg= 7.5= ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Full Review: https://miquereads.blogspot.com
#backtotheclassics2019 #backtotheclassics #kristinlavransdatter #cawpile #mmdreading #mmdchallenge (three books by the same author)

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MiqueMarie
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"Are you so arrogant that you think yourself capable of sinning so badly that God‘s mercy is not great enough?" - Gunnulf

#backtotheclassics2019

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jessamyngrace

Ragnfrid Ivarsdatter thought it seemed like a new wedding night, and a strange one. Happiness and sorrow flowed into each other, carrying her along on waves so powerful that she felt her soul beginning to loosen its roots in her body.

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Court7
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Pickpick

Book two of this trilogy was just as good as the first!

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sofiaga
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The day before the election, I took some time to read.

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AlaMich
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Pickpick

Second book in the great trilogy set in 14th century (I think) Norway. Just make sure you get the newer Tiina Nunally translation.