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Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Sigrid Undset

126 posts | 53 read | 9 reading | 88 to read

"[Sigrid Undset] should be the next Elena Ferrante." --Slate The turbulent historical masterpiece of Norway's literary master 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 Nikulauss�n, 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. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition includes an introduction by Brad Leithauser and features French flaps and deckle-edged paper. 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.

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review

lauraisntwilder

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

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I'm surprised at how strong the urge is to start this over again from the beginning. Where is the sweeping epic adaptation of this masterpiece? Seriously, this story has everything -- romance, betrayal, politics, fantastic medieval clothes, the list goes on. It's amazing. #KLBR

Ruthiella Apparently Liv Ullman adapted the first book in 1995 for Norwegian television. But I agree, it deserves a full adaptation. In Norwegian please with subtitles! 3w

lauraisntwilder @Ruthiella I'd like to see that, just to see what it's like, but I'm 100% sure it's too short. 3w

28 likes2 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I‘m still only in the middle of Book 2, but I‘m getting some pages in today with lunch and hope to get back in the habit of reading a few pages each evening.

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin #ReadAndEat #SummersEndReadathon

Bookish_Thoughts Book cover colors and your lunch go well together. 😁 3w

Leftcoastzen Salad looks Yummy! 3w

Daisey @Bookish_Thoughts That was completely unintentional, but it does! 3w

Daisey @Leftcoastzen Thanks! It was a good one. 3w

47 likes1 stack add4 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

The drama does not let up in this final volume: there‘s jealousy and recrimination, familial estrangement, marital discord and abandonment, violent confrontations over vicious gossip, and as if that wasn‘t enough, Undset throws The Black Plague into the mix at the end.

Which dramatic developments would you like to discuss further?

Is there anything else you‘d like to discuss from The Cross, or from the trilogy as a whole?

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 4w

Ruthiella Even though he was difficult to like, I did appreciate how many recognized that the rebellion in which Erland had been involved was ultimately justified as the right way to go politically. I also found it interesting that Kristen didn‘t seem to be bothered too much about his adultery. 4w

AmyG I loved Book 3….so much happening, alot of clarity with relationships. Iam thinking that Kristen just didn‘t care about Erland‘s adultery at one point. She knew who he was…from the very beginning. 3w

See All 6 Comments

Andrea313 I was feeling way too much with these final chapters! Kristin is supplanted in the lives of her sons, as parents always are, and yet she needed to focus that ferocious energy and life force somewhere. When the end came I was so overwhelmed by the way Undset zooms us out to see the world carrying on, Kristin's life and story one small part of such an epic world. We are infinity, we are dust, we are everything and nothing. This writing was so humbling. 3w

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG Finally some relational clarity, and I feel like Erlend had to die for that clarity to settle!! @Andrea313 Oof, yes. Humbling. This trilogy—and its characters—are so specific and personal, but also so relatable and universal. That “zooming out“ really brings that out. 3w

lauraisntwilder The part where the townspeople thought Kristin's last child wasn't Erland's was so infuriating. I was so mad on her behalf! 😂 3w

25 likes6 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Kristin has several spiritual guides/mentors in her life: Brother Edvin; Erlend‘s brother, Gunnulf; the local priests (Sira Eirik in her youth, Sira Eiliv at Husaby), and even her father.

Who or what do you see as influencing Kristin‘s faith most strongly in this final volume of the trilogy?

How has her faith changed over the course of the three books?

Do you see the conclusion to Kristin‘s story as hopeful or tragic?

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 4w

Ruthiella That is a really good question! I think by the final book, she is relying more on her personal connection with her God. Though she does seek out Sira Eirik‘s advice on her separation from Erland and of course Sira Eiliv is the priest who serves the nunnery at the end. 4w

AmyG Yes townat Ruthie said. I, too, believe she could finally listen to and trust herself. I also feel the experiences with Simon at the end of his life had a great impact on her. 3w

See All 6 Comments

Andrea313 I saw the final, gruesome scenes as a perfect encapsulation of faith in action. Kristin spends her whole life grappling with spiritual truths and the consequences of her own sin, yet at the end, she takes decisive action rooted in what she knows to be right according to her own morals and beliefs. The faith aspect of this book could be heavy-handed at times, but I also appreciated its centrality. What better else to spend our days wrestling with if not questions of right and wrong? 3w

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG I agree—I saw her faith becoming much more personal here. Her decision to go to the convent and then the way she lives her life there made it feel to me like her faith was finally her own (rather than based on guilt or a response to others‘ expectations). @Andrea313 YES! Her final actions during the Plague felt like she was finally able to live out her convictions unconstrained by external influences. 3w

lauraisntwilder Like others have said, I think she's finally relying on her own counsel. But, still, her father's lasting influence in the community is an ever present reminder, while she lives at his estate, of how a life should be lived. 3w

19 likes6 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

We see Kristin‘s sons growing up, now presented in this third book as characters in their own right.

How do her sons‘ choices impact Kristin—as a woman and as a mother?

How do her sons affect the choices Kristin makes for herself and her own future?

How does Kristin exemplify or challenge the accepted roles for women in her time?

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 4w

Ruthiella She was such a strong woman and she was ambivalent about letting her sons become independent and separate their lives from hers. I was also struck by how much her sons suffered from the rift between their parents. This shaped them, I think, in wanting to escape but also feeling responsible for their mother‘s happiness. 4w

AmyG I felt that a large part of Kristen‘s identity was wife and mother. She got to a point in her life where she “wasn‘t needed” by both and had to find meaning in her life. 3w

See All 11 Comments

Ruthiella @AmyG Which is part of what makes this book so relevant to readers, right? This is still something many parents face. 3w

AmyG @Ruthiella It is an adjustment, for sure. 3w

Andrea313 @AmyG I felt this so strongly! And it was a twist of the knife when she was further relegated to a supporting character on her own estate after Gaute and Jofrid married. I'm sure many mothers-in-law struggle in relationships with their son's wives, but man, I felt for Kristin here. 3w

AmyG @Andrea313 Yes. I also felt for her…trated like a second class citizen. ☹️ 3w

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG @Andrea313 Yes, I felt for Kristin so deeply in those changed dynamics, especially with Gaute & Jofrid. At the same time, I‘ve had those same kinds of difficult moments with my MIL when she stays at my home—I realize she may feel especially displaced in her son‘s life when she‘s in my space! He‘s an only child, so that exacerbates it, I think. As much as Jofrid frustrated me, I kind of felt for both Jofrid AND Kristin in that. ⬇ 3w

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) As much as her sons‘ choices (and their growing up in general!) left Kristin adrift, I also felt like their growing up freed her. Throughout the trilogy, I think Kristin has challenged the accepted roles of her time, but has felt guilty for doing so. This final book seemed to resolve a lot of that for her—she was finally able to take unashamed ownership of her life, and live it on her own terms. It made SO much sense that most of that ⬇ 3w

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) … happened after Erlend‘s death—which also made me so sad & angry. It‘s like Kristin couldn‘t be free of expectations or guilt until Erlend was out of the picture. @Ruthiella I saw so many parallels to children of divorce in the way the rift between Erlend and Kristin affected their sons! 3w

lauraisntwilder I think what struck me especially hard about Kristin being "put out to pasture" on her own estate was how young she actually was. I guess it's always that way, that the older generation doesn't *feel* old, but Kristin was literally in her 40's, being kicked out of the main house. 3w

15 likes11 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#KLBR-ers, here we are at the end of Book 3! Congratulate yourself on tackling #DoorstopKristin and THANK YOU for joining me on this epic read!

Kristin Lavransdatter—set in the medieval era, written in the 1920s—is filled with themes that are still relevant today: female desire, marital discord, motherhood, aging.
Which themes resonated for you?
In which ways did the characters‘ struggles feel distant? In which ways did they feel contemporary?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 4w

Ruthiella The propensity for violence to break out was completely out of my understanding. Simon kills a man and is absolved but the man who killed Erland is punished. I didn‘t see any distinction. Both were manslaughter in my view. Also, the pervasiveness of religious beliefs- both Christian and Pagan- are far from my day to day. But pretty much everything else in the characters‘ behaviors and attitudes felt familiar to me as a modern reader. (edited) 4w

AmyG I agree with @Ruthiella. I was surprised how contemporary this did feel. Same sh** different day. I felt very connected to Kristen, especially in Book 3 as she was closest to my age. 3w

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG Yes, the quick escalation of violence in this third book was startling to me. And then the differentiation in consequences. I was thinking that difference may have had something to do with status--wasn't Simon of a higher status than the farmer who killed Erlend? Which is pretty terrible, but felt like it fit the time (and honestly, the difference in consequences for the rich/powerful doesn't feel that different from today...) 3w

15 likes4 comments

review

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

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I've reviewed each book in this trilogy but as the final month of the #KLBR winds up, I wanted to review the collection as a whole. I mean this with no hyperbole- this was an earth-shaking read. I'm in awe of the balance of the epic scale and the nuanced specificity of the writing, and how it evoked a bygone time and place yet felt so contemporary and fully human in every struggle and relationship. Conquering this chunkster was worth every minute!

Andrea313 Huge kudos to @BarbaraJean for sheparding us through this read! #DoorstopKristin #BooksAndBlooms 1mo

BarbaraJean 🎉 🎉 HUGE congrats for finishing this chunkster!! I'm so glad to have (finally) read it, and super glad for the solidarity of everyone who read along with me!! 1mo

GatheringBooks Wow! That‘s amazing. I have this book - bought it a few years back but have never had the chance to crack it open. Congratulations to all of you for devouring this. 1mo

See All 6 Comments

Ruthiella The balance is indeed impeccable. 1mo

Andrea313 @BarbaraJean And congrats to you, too! 🎉 The group read aspect was honestly key to my finally picking it up, and the pace gave me permission to take a whole summer to read it. So often I feel like I need to race through everything, so thanks for giving me the chance to slow down and savor! 4w

Andrea313 @GatheringBooks When the time is right for you, I hope you love it! I do believe that there are some things we pick up at the exact right moment. 🩷 4w

35 likes6 comments

review

Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Sigrid Undset

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#ChunksterChallenge2025
#AllergictoChunksters
#DoorstopKristen #KLBR
#OffMyShelf

I finished this 1125 page bind-up of all three novels. What a journey! This is the life of a medieval Norwegian woman - from her happy childhood, to her tumultuous courtship and marriage, to her years of motherhood and wifedom, to finally retreat to a nunnery and her death. Undset makes the characters, time and place come alive and feel relevant to the modern reader.

tagged users icon

wanderinglynn, BarbaraJean, Amiable, julieclair

wanderinglynn woot! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉🙌🏻 1mo

Ruthiella @wanderinglynn 😊 1mo

Amiable Strong work! You completed the Colossal Chunkster level! ✊🏼 🥳 (edited) 1mo

See All 6 Comments

Ruthiella @Amiable It was indeed a colossal work! 😁 1mo

BarbaraJean Woohoo!! 🎉🎉 1mo

Ruthiella @BarbaraJean Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tackle this ! I‘ve had it on kindle for years! 😊 1mo

58 likes6 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Sigrid Undset

#FridayHappyReadingHour

I‘ve closed the laptop and poured myself an icy virgin G&T 🧊. It‘s HOT 🥵 today.

Then I‘m bound and determined to finish the tagged book on my kindle for #KLBR #DoorstopKristen and Flashman today so I can start fresh for the weekend. 🤞

tagged users icon

mcctrish, melissajayne, Aims42, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Tamra, BarbaraBB

mcctrish Cheers 1mo

Aims42 Yum, enjoy your virgin G&T 🧊🍋‍🟩😋 That‘ll hit the spot! (edited) 1mo

Ruthiella @mcctrish Cheers! 1mo

See All 10 Comments

Ruthiella @Aims42 It really did! 😋 1mo

Tamra Yay!!! I wish I had a hot summer Happy Reading Hour. 😄 I spent all day on the PC prepping too and when I shut it it was sprinkling. Boooooo! Oh well. (edited) 1mo

Ruthiella @Tamra If only we could switch places! 😂 I‘d love some cool rain. 1mo

Daisey I‘m enjoying Kristin, but I have so far to go yet! 1mo

Ruthiella @Daisey I am so glad that this buddy read has made me finally pick it up! 1mo

BarbaraBB Looking good! Happy weekend 🥰 1mo

Ruthiella @BarbaraBB Thank you. 😊 1mo

64 likes10 comments

review

Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Sigrid Undset

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Middle Ages Norway. Kristin Lavransdatter is the apple of her father‘s eye and he has betrothed her to Simon. But before the wedding, she falls for another man—older, handsome, and a rogue. Stubborn to a fault Kristin refuses anyone but Erland and then pays the price the rest of her life. Headstrong Kristin uses so much emotional energy carrying guilt while also blaming Erland. This trilogy spans from Kristen‘s betrothal to her last breath. ⬇️

tagged users icon

Texreader The story is told amid political upheaval in Norway and the Plague makes its appearances. Erland—Kristin‘s villain and love of her life—is a playboy turned a country‘s hero turned bad guy and more. I loved this book when I read it in my 20s. It is rich with historical detail. And while I find Kristin believable, especially as a teenager, her angst becomes monotonous. In my late 50s, she just made me tired. But, I‘m glad to have reread it. #klbr (edited) 1mo

56 likes1 comment

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I‘ve finished Part 1 of Book 3, and this continues to be so absorbing. My views of each character keep changing—in this section, Simon and Erlend especially—their growth and complexity just deepens as I get further in. Kristin has felt very much in the background during this first part of Book 3, though… I‘m so curious where her path will lead as this trilogy wraps up. How‘s everyone else‘s reading coming along?

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 1mo

Ruthiella I haven‘t started book three yet. Next weekend ! 🤞 1mo

Texreader I finished the trilogy this weekend. 1mo

See All 6 Comments

Andrea313 I finished Book 2 today and am eager to get to the end! Everyone relationship is becoming even more complex and I can't get enough! I have a feeling I'll be racing through Book 3. 1mo

Suet624 Book 3 may take me a while to get to. But I‘m happy to hear how much you are enjoying it 1mo

AmyG Finished part 3. 1mo

44 likes6 comments

quote

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Shots fired!!!! And is Arngjerd wrong? Is Simon more honorable than Erlend? I've just finished Book 3, Part 1 and can't get over how into this I am. #KLBR #DoorstopKristin

AmyG Book 3 was great. Alot happens. 2mo

BarbaraJean Oof. Yeah, she‘s not too far off base! 1mo

24 likes2 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#TomKitten and I are completely sucked into Book 3 of Kristin. Life back at Jørundgård is bittersweet, as Kristin grapples with memories of the past and the sometimes stark reality of the present. I hope I can stay fully spoiler-free as I continue to read because this is nothing less than gripping and I can't wait for all of the twists as turns as I come closer to the (sadly) inevitable end. I'm so glad I finally took the plunge on this series!

Andrea313 #KLBR #DoorstopKristin #CatsOfLitsy 2mo

Ruthiella 😻😻😻 2mo

35 likes2 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I‘m behind on our readalong, only starting Part 2 of Book 2, but I‘m hoping to have more reading time this month and catch up some.

Also, I love sunset reading in the hammock.

#HammockReading #KLBR #DoorstopKristin

Tamra Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh 😍 2mo

Leftcoastzen Nice ! 2mo

BarbaraJean This looks delightful! So relaxing! 2mo

Andrea313 This looks like a dream! 😍 2mo

Daisey @Tamra @Leftcoastzen @BarbaraJean @Andrea313 It‘s one of my very favorite places to read! 2mo

61 likes5 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR Discussion Questions (5/5):

Overall: what is it about these books that keeps you reading (or re-reading!)? Or, if you‘re struggling to get through them: what about the books has been an obstacle to keeping you engaged?

Are there any other themes, scenes, or characters you‘d like to discuss from The Wife?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

Ruthiella One of the things that really impresses me about the novels is how the characters are very much of their time and mores and yet so comprehensible and recognizable to the modern reader. People haven‘t changed that much, really. 2mo

AmyG @Ruthiella Exactly! This could have been written today. I thought that many times. 2mo

See All 7 Comments

lauraisntwilder @Ruthiella Yes, exactly. 2mo

Andrea313 @Ruthiella I definitely agree with this! Human nature doesn't change and it feels so contemporary as I read througg. At the same time, I'm fascinated by the historical details and traditions, and by the descriptions of the natural landscape! Vacation to Norway when?? 2mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG @Andrea313 YES! These characters feel so real. The palpable humanity of these characters and their very relatable emotions have me hooked. It's amazing to me how contemporary it all feels, even with so many traditions and details that seem so distant and unfamiliar. 2mo

Suet624 I agree with everyone that it feels so recognizable. What I also love is how Undset puts you in the place in the story - I felt I could smell the fir trees and see the views from the manor. 2mo

22 likes7 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#KLBR Discussion 4/5:

Kristin‘s faith & her feelings of guilt play a huge role in her motivations here. From the Penguin Reader‘s Guide: “Sigrid Undset said that Kristin‘s greatest sin was not indulging in sex before marriage, but the sin of pride…” Where do you see examples of Kristin‘s pride? Is there a connection between her pride and her feelings of guilt?

What impact do you think Kristin‘s faith has on her actions as a wife? As a daughter?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

AmyG I read the first two books a few years ago. But I always got the feeling that the Church guided her life. 2mo

lauraisntwilder I think her pride made it hard for her to accept God's forgiveness. Not that she necessarily had overwhelming guilt, but that she was somehow unreachable. It's like her status and innate beauty and value made her sins worse because she had farther to fall. 2mo

BarbaraJean @lauraisntwilder That all makes sense. There's some “what would people think/say“ there as well. That definitely comes from pride and as you said, affects her acceptance of God's forgiveness. I think her grudge-keeping as a wife may stem from her inability to forgive herself as well. And I see that playing out with her father—she can‘t accept God‘s forgiveness and so she also sees her relationship with her father as irretrievably broken. 2mo

Suet624 Faith was such a large part of Kristin's life. Don't know if the 7 deadly sins were highlighted back then but lust and pride are 2 of them and it goes without saying it was a big part of Kristin's story. As she aged, Kristin was able to see just how much she had hurt Lavrans. He was such a good man/father and to hurt him may just remain as a pain for the rest of her life. 2mo

17 likes5 comments

blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR Discussion Questions (3/5):

There are SO many changing relationships to consider in this book, from the marriages (Erlend and Kristin, Lavrans and Ragnfried, Simon and Ramborg) to the family relationships (Erlend and Lavrans, Kristin and Lavrans, Simon and Kristin, Simon and Erlend…).

Which changing relational dynamic stood out to you the most? Which surprised you?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

Ruthiella The change in passion between Kristen and Erland at the end. Apparently they can only really connect when under threat. That surprised me. What did not surprise me was Simon‘s obvious love for Kristen, even though she refused him. He‘s still carrying a torch. 2mo

AmyG Yes, Simon did carry a torch. I wondered what her life would have been like if she had married him. The choices people make that lead them to their lives. 2mo

See All 11 Comments

lauraisntwilder I really liked Simon in the first book, but I had a hard time imagining that character living through that first marriage. Then he marries Kristin's teenaged sister and I admit it was hard not to judge that through the lens of modern sensibilities. So, I guess I was most surprised by both of Simon's marriages. 2mo

Andrea313 @lauraisntwilder I had some side-eye for that second marriage, too, but what made it worse for me was the author/the story pushing that Ramborg was the one who pursued it. Shades of "she asked for it" when this was a literal child. Weirdly, if it had been presented as normal for the time in which it was set, I may have shrugged it off as history. But instead there seemed to be this added level of desperate justification that felt off to me. 2mo

Andrea313 The change-up between Kristin and Erlend at the end really surprised me, particularly when Kristin suddenly blamed herself for Erlend's actions. I'm a bit apprehensive to see where their relationship goes in Book 3! 2mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 I wasn‘t that surprised by the change in passion between Kristin and Erlend at the end—I feel like it‘s a pattern for them to swing from passion and love to grudges and blame, and then back. But I was surprised by Simon! @AmyG @lauraisntwilder I didn‘t much like Simon in the first book (maybe I felt Kristin‘s ambivalence/aversion). Here he seems to have matured a lot, and I saw parallels to Lavrans in the way Simon is such ⬇ 2mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d)…a stable son-in-law/brother-in-law. I was super surprised by his marrying Ramborg and also had a hard time with her supposedly “pursuing” him at such a young age. I could see a 12-year-old getting it into her head that she wants to marry this person who‘s such a good friend of the family and acting that out inappropriately, but I can‘t stomach Simon taking it seriously. At one point we see him thinking about how he was manipulated ⬇ (edited) 2mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) …into marrying a woman he doesn‘t really care for—but, um, he‘s the adult and he doesn‘t HAVE TO marry her! 2mo

AmyG I liked Simon more, too. @BarbaraJean Wait ‘til book 3. 2mo

Suet624 Kristin clinging to Erland as he is arrested was so surprising to me. @Ruthiella stating that they connect when under threat made it make sense to me. I appreciated Lavrans & Ragnfried's final days together, that they were able to express their love & appreciation. And Simon and Ramborg's marriage - I just think some crazy crap took place in the 1200's. With the book being written in the 1920's I'm not sure what Undset thought about it. 2mo

16 likes11 comments

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#DoorstopKristin #KLBR Discussion Questions (2/5):

What growth or change do you see in Kristin from The Wreath to The Wife?

Do you see any growth in Erlend? Has your opinion of him changed from The Wreath to The Wife? Why or why not?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

Ruthiella She becomes much more confident in her abilities as a wife and mother, managing the estates and her children. I liked seeing her come into her own like that. Clearly her parents brought her up well in that respect because she pretty quickly learns how to manage the servants and household. 2mo

AmyG Not an Erland fan. Erland was more about Erland. But Kristen had children and the land to manage. She had to support everyone. Kristen grew, Erland didn‘t. 2mo

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lauraisntwilder I was surprised at how impetuous Kristin still was, as an adult, like when she reacts in anger (and I hope embarrassment?) when she hears the family talking about how her wild kids killed her sister's favorite lamb. She seems stretched thin, taking care of the land, supervising servants, constantly pregnant, and grieving her parents. Erland takes on more responsibility publicly, but he doesn't seem to have grown up. 2mo

Andrea313 Kristin has grown into a capable and admirable woman, whipping a chaotic household into shape, managing the estate from top to bottom, and dealing with more children than she should have to with little support from her partner. But then seeing her boys' behavior through Lavrans' eyes made me cringe! However, I do respect how she always kept trying with Margret. That was a lose-lose situation but it seemed she always tried to be a good stepmother. 2mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG @lauraisntwilder @Andrea313 Like you, I definitely saw growth in Kristin. She becomes so capable with the household so quickly. I loved how her relationship grew with her stepson. I do think there was some growth in Erlend, but it was more of an awareness of how his actions affect others. He doesn‘t actually change or mature. I did feel more compassion for Erlend here than I did in Book One, but I still wanted to just shake him! ⬇ 2mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d)…He‘s infuriatingly irresponsible, but he isn‘t cruel or malicious. He doesn‘t have the maturity to act responsibly and he deals with difficulty or hurt through avoidance, but he also didn‘t have the stable parent figures or parent/child relationships Kristin did. He doesn‘t seem to have had healthy models for how to be mature and responsible. He does seem well-intentioned and also seems to love Kristin deeply. 2mo

Suet624 Not much to add to these comments. They are all spot on. Kristin is definitely a more mature woman in this book. Her care for her stepson was a lovely thing to see. When I first read this trilogy in my 20's my husband was very much like Erland and I was so impacted by Book 2 because of it. His inability to see what Kristin had to deal with - all those kids, all that property to manage - was infuriating. 2mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Here we are at the end of #DoorstopKristin Book Two! #KLBR Discussion Questions (1/5):

Do you see Kristin and Erlend‘s relational struggles as inevitable? Are their temperaments and backgrounds just a bad fit, or could they have responded differently to each other?

What do you see as the main contributing factors to the breakdown of Kristin and Erlend‘s relationship?

What positive elements (if any!) do you see in Kristin and Erlend‘s marriage?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

Ruthiella Communication is a problem but also, as Kristen points out, Erland is rarely open to criticism. But she sure can hold a grudge. In other ways, they are not so ill suited for each other. Erland needs someone who can control him without his realizing that is what they are doing and they have a strong physical bond. (edited) 2mo

AmyG I always thought their bond was one of passion more than anything. I never saw them as a “team”. They grew separately, not together. And yes, there was poor communication. I don‘t blame her for having a grudge. Very human to do so with him. 2mo

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lauraisntwilder The older Kristin gets, the more she sees how inappropriate Erland's behavior was before they were married. It feels like she spends years blaming herself for disappointing her father, then switches to blaming Erland for leading her into dangerous situations. I still wish she'd become a nun or run off with the elf lady! 2mo

Andrea313 I do think their struggles were inevitable. They came together with tons of physical passion but I think their values were different from the start and as @AmyG pointed out, they didn't grow together. Erlend was always weak and Kristin didn't (or wouldn't) see the red flags, unfortunately. And I'm with @lauraisntwilder in wishing she'd gone down the path of religious devotion- Nun Kristin, we could have had it all! 2mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @AmyG Yes, communication I think is key—also expectations. Erlend expected different things from marriage (rather than Kristin being pregnant all the time!) and I think Kristin expected Erlend would become steadier & more responsible. Kristin adjusts her expectations but resents it (nursing that grudge), and Erlend doesn‘t take any responsibility—for the relationship or otherwise. It‘s interesting that we see communication issues ⬇ 2mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) …with Kristin‘s parents (the reveal at the end of book one). They do communicate to work things out in book two—but they never stop being partners. Kristin and Erlend just are not partners, and I‘d blame that squarely on Erlend. I honestly think that if Erlend had worked to become an actual responsible grown up, Kristin would likely have responded to him differently and their relationship would have looked far different. 2mo

BarbaraJean @lauraisntwilder @Andrea313 #TeamKristelf! I actually thought with Erlend‘s imprisonment toward the end that he might die (through starvation, torture, or execution), and then Kristin would be free to become a nun. I mean, Book Three IS titled “The Cross,” so… 2mo

Andrea313 @BarbaraJean I thought the same thing and was shocked when he lived! 2mo

Suet624 @AmyG You've said pretty much exactly what I would have said. 2mo

Suet624 I agree that Kristin's ability to hold a grudge was an issue. I understood why she would but it kept any opportunity for partnership to take place. Erland was a playboy who tried to play the role of a husband/father. If we were looking for him to be punished for his infidelity, he sure was! :) 2mo

15 likes11 comments

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lauraisntwilder

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Still making my way through this audiobook, BUT I finally finished my son's 2024 Christmas ornament! 😂 He requested a tiger beetle. #LitsyCrafters #ShowandTellTuesday

TheBookHippie Love it! 2mo

Kitta Wow! 2mo

31 likes2 comments

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I'll be reading overtime this week to finish Book 2, and just as I'm trying to make some progress, #TomKitten comes along to throw a wrench in the plans. 😂 He may be cute but I did have to shoo him away after I took the picture; the story is too good to stop for long! ##DoorstopKristin #KLBR #CatsOfLitsy

Amiable So cute! 😍 2mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Hello, #DoorstopKristin readers! Our second #KLBR discussion, on Book Two (The Wife/The Mistress of Husaby), will be on Friday, July 31.

I finished book two this week and it was slower-going than book one, but still SO GOOD. Also: equally if not more emotionally rough than book one. These characters live and breathe on the page. Looking forward to discussing this with you all next week!

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

Ruthiella I just finished book two today. Looking forward to the discussion! 2mo

Andrea313 I slowed down on it this month but plan to finish next week! Looking forward to the discussion as well. 2mo

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CrowCAH I wasn‘t able to start reading The Wife. I got behind with my ebook reading. Still planning on reading it. 2mo

Suet624 Yes, this was slower going for sure. But I‘m still plugging along. Should be done by next Friday. 2mo

Deblovestoread Reading has been a struggle this month but will try to catch up. 2mo

35 likes6 comments

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lauraisntwilder

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I loved working on this mostly-edge-piece puzzle while listening to audiobooks (most recently Kristin Lavransdatter) and rewatching "Father Brown" on Hoopla. ?

Ruthiella Neat puzzle! 🧩 2mo

dabbe 🩵💙🩵 2mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

“Her heart felt as if it were breaking in her breast, bleeding & bleeding, young & fierce. From grief over the warm & ardent love which she had lost and still secretly mourned; from anguished joy over the pale, luminous love which drew her to the farthest boundaries of life on this earth. Through the great darkness that would come, she saw the gleam of another, gentler sun, and she sensed the fragrance of the herbs in the garden at world's end.”⤵️

BarbaraJean There are so many moments when this book breaks my heart with its beauty. 💔 #KLBR #DoorstopKristin 2mo

Texreader This is beautiful. I haven‘t started the third book yet! I will soon. 2mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Andrea313 @Daisey @quietjenn @Librarybelle @lauraisntwilder @MaureenMc @Gleefulreader @Deblovestoread @MeganAnn @AmyG @JenLovesJT47 @rubyslippersreads @bklover @Texreader @AnneCecilie @suet624 @Leniverse @CrowCAH @Caterina 2mo

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BarbaraJean @Texreader I haven't either! This is from book two (Part II, chapter 7) 🙂 (edited) 2mo

Texreader @BarbaraJean I guess because I‘m listening to it this time around I didn‘t pick up on how gorgeous this quote is. 2mo

BarbaraJean @Texreader I get it--I'm not at all an auditory learner and often overlook the writing/language when listening! 2mo

Ruthiella Beautiful! 😍 2mo

AmyG Yes, beautiful. 2mo

Suet624 💕💕💕 2mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Made up a little outdoor picnic in the backyard today with some snacks, an old quilt, my #ColeCat and #DoorstopKristin. Book 2 is off to a great start, and by "great" I mean "absolutely infuriating". Erlend is a useless asshole and his estate is a filthy wreck and Kristin cries herself to sleep most nights, but I am still so bought in to this whole world and can't wait to keep going. #KLBR #CatsOfLitsy

Leftcoastzen 👏😻Cole! 3mo

Suet624 I love this post. Yes to all of it. 2mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Here we are in July, and I‘ve started #DoorstopKristin Book Two: The Wife (The Mistress of Husaby in some editions). This book is so beautifully written, and so emotionally engaging—I‘m enjoying book two just as much as book one.

How is your #KLBR reading coming along? If you‘ve started book two, what are your thoughts so far?

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella, @Andrea313, @Daisey, @quietjenn, @Librarybelle, @lauraisntwilder, @MaureenMc, @Gleefulreader, @Deblovestoread, @MeganAnn, @AmyG, @JenLovesJT47, @rubyslippersreads, @bklover, @Texreader, @AnneCecilie, @suet624, @Leniverse, @CrowCAH, @Caterina 3mo

Suet624 I can‘t wait to start. Have to finish a few other books first. 3mo

Deblovestoread I started Book 2 last night. Loving it! 3mo

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Texreader I just finished yesterday. 🎉 3mo

AmyG I read Book 2 a few years ago. Don‘t remember specifics but loved it. 3mo

Ruthiella I‘ve started and am enjoying how Kristen is coming in to her own managing the estate. Erland is, unsurprisingly, useless. 3mo

rubyslippersreads I‘m still on Book 1 but loving it. 3mo

Daisey I‘m still in the last section of Book 1. Edited to add that I finished Book 1 tonight, and I‘m going to read through the discussion on next. (edited) 3mo

CrowCAH I haven‘t started book 2 … yet. 3mo

Andrea313 I'm a couple chapters in, and loving it and hating it in equal measure. It's still such great writing and such an absorbing world, but Kristin's made a pretty bad choice with Erlend and I think things are gonna go downhill from here... 3mo

AnneCecilie I haven‘t started book two yet, maybe next week? 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

This post contains spoilers

Kristin is determined to marry Erlend, but her emotions shift and change as the marriage approaches. What is your take on Kristin‘s motivation: how much of her ultimate choice to marry Erlend is due to her own desire, and how much is due to the societal/religious pressure she feels?

What do you make of the revelations about Kristin‘s parents and their marriage that we discover at the end of the novel?

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin discussion - 4/4

AnneCecilie I was shocked by the revelation at the end. That came out of nowhere. When it comes to Kristin, she has to wait two years to marry Erland and maybe some of her love has faded a little by that time. 3mo

AmyG Oh, I‘m not done yet so I don‘t know about her parents. I feel like her love for Erland ebbed and flowed. I always got the impression that she felt more about doing what was right but I do think she loved Erland. 3mo

Ruthiella I think she genuinely wants to be with Erland. But that first glow is wearing off and she‘s beginning to see his weak side and flaws. If she was really concerned with societal pressures, she would have married Simon. The reveal about her parents is for the reader, to show that not everything is as it seems on the surface. What a waste on both sides-if they‘d only been honest with each other from the beginning. (edited) 3mo

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lauraisntwilder Being totally honest, I kept hoping she'd decide to be a nun. Erland gave me the creeps and Simon seemed nice enough, but she didn't love him. I loved the ending! I have my fingers crossed that the revelation shared between Kristin's parents will mean they're happier going forward. 3mo

Andrea313 I think Kristin's feelings on Erland slowly changed but she doubled down on her feelings and her decision regardless, and I don't believe societal pressure factored in. I'm torn because on one hand, I love an independent, flawed woman making strong decisions guided by her own feelings and sense of what's right. On the other, dude is a walking red flag so I'm staying firmly Team Spinster, or joining in with @lauraisntwilder to manifest Nun Kristin. 3mo

BarbaraJean I felt Kristin‘s motivation to marry Erlend shifted from “can‘t live without him” to more an atoning for her wrong. She‘s more conflicted about him after their betrothal, as she gets to know how he is in community rather than just one on one—and I think she felt societal & religious pressure to marry him because they‘d had sex. She still loves him, but I think she begins to see the red flags! (Team Nun/Spinster with @lauraisntwilder & @Andrea313) 3mo

BarbaraJean For me, the revelation about Kristin‘s parents was heartbreaking. How different their marriage could have been if they‘d communicated about this earlier! And if there had been more openness about these kinds of transgressions, Kristin may have felt differently about Erlend and their actions. I mean, I get it, this is Norway in the 1400s, but my heart broke over the shame and the hiding. @AnneCecilie @AmyG @Ruthiella 3mo

AmyG Oh wait….I went back and read about her parents. I had forgotten as I read this a few years ago. I don‘t think there was a whole lot of communication back then. If there was, between couples, it was probably rare. People have evolved and yet they haven‘t at all. Yes, @BarbaraJean so much shame. I am sure religion plays a huge part in that. 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

This post contains spoilers

Several women in the text have transgressed against the moral norms of the time, from Fru Aashild to Erlend‘s mistress, Eline—and as we later discover, even Kristin‘s mother Ragnfrid. Do you think Undset includes these women and their circumstances as simply a mirror of the times, as a moral warning, or as a critique of the expectations placed on women of the time?

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin discussion - 3/4

AmyG Perhaps both? I don‘t know much about the author and her feelings. 3mo

Ruthiella I think she is showing us the humanity of the past. People were not so different from us in medieval times nor in the 20th century when this was written nor are they now so different 100 years later. Society has its strictures but then as now, we don‘t always fit within that framework. (edited) 3mo

lauraisntwilder @Ruthiella I agree. People are people, no matter what year it is. 3mo

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Andrea313 I don't know the author's intentions, but I do love that we saw three very different women whose circumstances felt timeless in varying degrees. I gotta say, Fru Aashild took me on a wild ride! Loved her at first, then turned on her when she was all-in for the escape and elopement, then was ultimately grateful she was there for Kristin. And I did feel that in Eline, we might be looking at K's future, even in part. 😬 3mo

BarbaraJean Like @AmyG & @Andrea313 I don‘t know enough about the author to KNOW this, but it seemed there was a critique underlying her inclusion of these women‘s stories. Definitely a mirror of the times—including these parallel situations indicated that these types of moral transgressions were more common—but also, by extension, she seemed to be demonstrating that they‘re more nuanced and complex than society paints them to be. @Ruthiella @lauraisntwilder 3mo

AmyG And let me say, I was surprised that there was so much “unmarried sex” happening. I don‘t know why I think that way, probably because it‘s the 1300‘s. Human beings being human. 3mo

BarbaraJean @AmyG Haha, yeah, people are people, no matter the century! I was surprised that there wasn't more shaming going on, honestly. 3mo

AmyG @BarbaraJean There wasn‘t more shaming because apparently they were ALL having “inappropriate” sex! 3mo

BarbaraJean @AmyG 😂 😂 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

This post contains spoilers

Kristin struggles between her desire for Erlend and her family‘s (and society‘s) expectations. What role does her personal faith play in this struggle? What role does family play?

Kristin‘s relationship with her father is central in her life, and they are both pained by the rift that results due to Kristin‘s separation from Simon and her desire for Erlend. What role do you see Lavrans playing in Kristin‘s growth?

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin 2/4

AnneCecilie I read that Unset wrote this trilogy as a response to a discussion in Norway at the time regarding the influence religion had on people. Her viewpoint was that religion and Catholicism had influenced the Norwegian society tremendously 3mo

AmyG Kirsten didn‘t want to bring shame upon her family. She especially loved her father. So she did her best to do what was right, considering her condition. She, throughout the book, was very concerned with doing right by the Church. (edited) 3mo

Ruthiella Well, Kristen is religious, but it doesn‘t stop her from behaving in a way that‘s contrary to what her religion teaches her. She looks for reconciliation after the “sin”. The fact that she is willing to break with her father to be with Erland is most telling. That rift between her and her father is I think the most painful thing for her. It shows her growing in to her own person, separate from her family and parents. (edited) 3mo

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lauraisntwilder It's interesting because the church in Norway, according to the book, didn't expect priests to be celibate. I think Kristin's approach was similar -- she wanted to do the right thing, but she was also practical and knew her own limitations. I think her obligations to her father and sister made her feel a lot more guilt than she did about the church. 3mo

Deblovestoread I think it hurt her deeply to have a rift in her relationship with her father but even in the guilt of knowing she wasn‘t acting as she should her love was strongest of all. 3mo

BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie @AmyG @lauraisntwilder @Deblovestoread Kristin seems to deeply struggle with the expectations/morals of religion, but as @Ruthiella says, that influence doesn‘t seem to really have an impact on her actions. It DOES impact her feelings of guilt and shame and desire to do the right thing after the fact. But I got the sense that her guilt and shame were more familial than religious, in part because of her close relationship with Lavrans. 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

This post contains spoilers

What differences do you see between Arne, Simon, and Erlend—and Kristin‘s relationships with each one? Are there any similarities between the three men?

How do the women in Kristin‘s life shape her growth, especially her mother, Ragnfrid and Fru Aashild? What about her sister Ulvhild?

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin discussion - 1/4

AnneCecilie I think Arne represents her childhood, a time of innocence. Simon was her parents choice and she doesn‘t seem to have many feelings towards him in any direction. Erlend brings out her passion and as a teenager it‘s easy to confuse a first love for everlasting love 3mo

AmyG Yes @AnneCecilie I agree with that. Erland was handsome and charming…Kirsten didn‘t stand a chance as she was yound and naive. I read books 1 and 2 a few years ago and don‘t remember much about her mother and sisters. (edited) 3mo

Ruthiella Arne is friendship, Simon is security, Erland is lust. Ideally we would have all three in one person. Erland may change with time, but right now I don‘t find his behavior honorable. Arne and Simon showed her more respect. Fru Aashild is the one who influences her most in her choice of husband. She unwittingly encouraged her. I don‘t know that her mother had much influence. Kristen is so very much a daddy‘s girl. (edited) 3mo

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Deblovestoread Agree with all three of you. Had she been older she might have seen Arne as more than a friend and Simon would have been the safe choice but first loves overtake everything. She was definitely a daddy‘s girl and her mom kept her at arm‘s length. 3mo

BarbaraJean I have to apologize for taking a WEEK to get back to the discussion after posting the questions! @AnneCecilie I definitely agree: Arne recalls a time of innocence for Kristin. His departure kind of marks the end of that innocence, with Bentein assaulting her on her way home, and the aftermath of that in the following months. All three men are so different and seem to represent different paths she could have taken. 3mo

BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie @Ruthiella @Deblovestoread Yes, Simon is definitely safety/security, as well as family expectations. Erlend is kind of the opposite of Simon's stability! SO many red flags. Isn't “he'll change with time“ a universal rationalization girls use to excuse those red-flag relationships?! Kristin seemed much more influenced by her father than the women in her life. I wonder if more female influence would've led to different choices for her? (edited) 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Welcome to our first #KLBR discussion, on Kristin Lavransdatter Book One—“The Wreath.” I‘ll tag everyone here, but not in subsequent posts (because long tag lists on Litsy are difficult these days). Questions will be posted separately under spoiler tags. You can find the questions via the #KLBR and #DoorstopKristin tags, on my page, or on the book‘s page.

Also, I‘ll post a couple of resources I found helpful in the comments below.

tagged users icon

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, MaureenMc, Daisey, AmyG, Gleefulreader, JenlovesJT47, Texreader, MeganAnn, AnneCecilie, Caterina, Bklover, Andrea313, Suet624, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, Leniverse, CrowCAH, lauraisntwilder, Ruthiella

BarbaraJean Reader‘s guide: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296509/kristin-lavransdatter-i-the-wrea...

Character list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristin_Lavransdatter#Character... 3mo

TheBookHippie I love this read I hope everyone is enjoying it! 3mo

BarbaraJean @TheBookHippie I'm loving it but also OUCH. 3mo

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AnneCecilie I have some mixed feelings about this one. I‘m reading the original text and the Norwegian was quite hard to get through. I can‘t remember the last time I hade to look up so many words. She writes in Norwegian but will includes Norse, Catholic and Danish words, I want to include Swedish too. She‘s also changes the sentence structure 3mo

AmyG I am almost finished. It‘s an amazing book. 3mo

Deblovestoread Finished Book One. Slow to start, but loved it. Looking forward to the next. 3mo

AmyG @Deblovestoread For a big book and a slowish read…it goes fast. (If that makes sense). 3mo

Librarybelle I‘ll join in when I finish book one! Barely started, unfortunately, but I‘ll get there! 3mo

Andrea313 @TheBookHippie I really, really loved Book 1 and am eager to start Book 2! 3mo

TheBookHippie @BarbaraJean yes lots of OUCH. 3mo

TheBookHippie @Andrea313 YAY!!! 3mo

TheBookHippie @AmyG I think it reads quickly too! 3mo

rubyslippersreads I‘m behind but loving it. 3mo

rubyslippersreads @Librarybelle I‘m glad I‘m not the only one. 3mo

Bklover @Librarybelle Me too!! 3mo

Librarybelle @rubyslippersreads @Bklover We‘ll catch up eventually! 3mo

BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie This is so interesting! I wonder if that's typical of the Norwegian of the time, or if it's more a quirk of Undset's own writing. 3mo

AnneCecilie If you think about the writing in Norway in the 1920s if wouldn‘t have consisted of Norse and Catholic words. After a union with Denmark for 400 yrs and Sweden for a 100 yr, the Norwegian language was very influenced by this, especially the Danish. 3mo

40 likes18 comments

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I'm so close to the end of Book 1 and I need to stop for the night, but I'm so hooked and can't wait to see it close out! I'm loving this book, the characters, the story, this translation, and pretty much everything except Erlend Nikulaussøn because holy red flag, Batman...! Here's me thinking Willoughby is a toxic fuckboy but then comes Sigrid Undset like, "Hold my mead." ??? #KLBR #DoorstopKristin

Ruthiella Totally. I understand that at 17, the heart wants what the heart wants, but old lady me is wanting her to kick him to the curb. 3mo

Andrea313 @Ruthiella She was SO 17 in these latest chapters, full of angst and shouting at her parents. I know I'm officially old because I found myself agreeing with Lavrans more often than not! 😂 3mo

BarbaraJean Hahaha... SO fitting. I feel exactly where she is, but WOW, he's a big NO. @Andrea313 Past me felt for Kristin, present me's heart broke for Lavrans!! 3mo

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Suet624 I love everything about this post and comments of yours. So accurate. 3mo

Andrea313 @BarbaraJean Yes! I'm sure if I read this as a teen or in my early 20s, I'd have a different response altogether. But yeah, I was feeling for Lavrans. 3mo

Andrea313 @Suet624 ❤️❤️ 3mo

Daisey @Andrea313 @Ruthiella @BarbaraJean @Suet624 I had to come back to this post now that I‘ve completed Book 1. It‘s perfect. 🚩 🚩 So many red flags, and I agree with all of you about understanding the teenage girl while also relating to the father even more. 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Hello to my fellow #DoorstopKristin #KLBR readers! Next week, we‘ll be discussing book one: The Wreath. I finished it over the weekend and—ooof! It‘s SO good but emotionally rough! I hope your reading is going well, and I look forward to hearing everyone‘s thoughts next week.

tagged users icon

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, MaureenMc, Daisey, AmyG, Gleefulreader, JenlovesJT47, Texreader, MeganAnn, AnneCecilie, Caterina, Bklover, Andrea313, Suet624, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, Leniverse, CrowCAH, lauraisntwilder, staci.reads, Ruthiella, julieclair

Ruthiella I just finished book one yesterday. Emotionally rough is right! 😬😢😅 (edited) 3mo

staci.reads I haven't gotten to this, so you can take me off the tag list 😔 3mo

Suet624 So good. 3mo

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Daisey I just made it to part 3 of Book 1. It‘s going to be a busy week, but I hope to make it through the rest of this section in time for the discussion. 3mo

Deblovestoread I have finished book one and will start the next when I finish

[tagged book]

The Secret of Chimneys

3mo

Deblovestoread Loved it! 3mo

AnneCecilie I finished earlier this month and has mixed feelings 3mo

BarbaraJean @staci.reads I understand! Will do. (edited) 3mo

julieclair I still haven‘t started, so I think you can take me off the tag list, please. 😕 I will put it on my list for #AllergicToChunksters, which means I will eventually get to it. Then I can loop back to these discussions, because they‘ll be there waiting! Thank you for hosting. 💙 3mo

julieclair I tried to listen on audio, since my “sit down and read” time is scarce these days, but between the accent and the unfamiliar names, it just wasn‘t working for me. 😕 3mo

BarbaraJean @julieclair I understand! I don't think I'd be able to absorb this on on audio, either. I need to SEE unfamiliar names! 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#DoorstopKristin check-in! How‘s your reading going? I‘m moving along steadily—I finished part 2 this week and am finding it so readable. I have to admit that although I feel for her, I‘ve been a little frustrated with Kristin. And I‘m not a fan of Erlend! What are your thoughts on Kristin and Erlend? And Simon? #KLBR

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rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, MaureenMc, Daisey, AmyG, Gleefulreader, JenlovesJT47, Texreader, MeganAnn, AnneCecilie, Caterina, Bklover, Andrea313, Suet624, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, Leniverse, CrowCAH, lauraisntwilder, staci.reads, Ruthiella, julieclair

AmyG I‘m on the third book. I love Kristen. Erland, meh. Simon? Not sure. 3mo

Ruthiella I just got to Erland and I‘m worried that he‘s going to mess up her life somehow. Regardless of how I might feel about Simon, she is betrothed and living in a society where engagements are not easily broken.😬 3mo

Texreader I‘m almost finished with the first book. I‘m fed up with both of them, but I remember being 16-17… 3mo

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Butterfinger @Texreader Kristin Lavransdotter was my very first book for #FoodandLit because we chose Norway due to your husband's homeland. The Greenlanders reminds me so much of that book. The writing style, names, the way the houses were built.

[tagged book]

The Greenlanders

3mo

Texreader @Butterfinger That‘s so awesome!! I‘ll look forward to reading The Greenlanders! 3mo

Andrea313 Just finished Book 2 and have been *screaming* for Kristin to stay away from Erland. I'm mixed on Simon and if I had to declare a side, I'd vote Team Spinster. 😭 3mo

Deblovestoread I just finished Part 1. It stayc slow but I'm all in now. 3mo

rubyslippersreads I‘m behind, as usual, but enjoying it. 3mo

Caterina I finished Part 1 and I'm so sad. 😭 But it's so good! I wanted to read it this weekend, but I was in the hospital. Looking forward to reading it more while I recover this week. 😊 3mo

julieclair Starting it today. 🤞 3mo

julieclair @caterina Hope you are healing well! 💝 3mo

Caterina @julieclair I am, thank you! 😊 3mo

BarbaraJean @Andrea313 Team Spinster all the way. I'm wishing she'd gone off with the elf maiden. Actually, now that I've said that, I want to read a fanfic where she went off with the elf maiden. 3mo

Andrea313 @BarbaraJean I have no doubt that two or twenty versions have been written! 😭 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I've read roughly a third of The Wreath and am absolutely loving it. It was admittedly a little slow to start, but then it grabbed me all at once and I flew through several chapters in a row. I love the descriptions of the landscape and the colorful, vivid characters. I'm DYING to know more about Kristin's mother and I can't get enough of Åashild Gautesdatter. I've made myself put it aside for now so that I stay eager to pick it up again tomorrow.

Andrea313 Pictured: Kristin statue in Sel, Norway. #KLBR #DoorstopKristin 3mo

Ruthiella Nice! I‘m only on chapter five, but also really enjoying it. 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

"It's good when you don't dare do something that doesn't seem right," said Fru Aashild with a little laugh. "But it's not so good if you think something isn't right because you don't dare do it."
—from Kristin Lavransdatter, The Wreath

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#whereareyoumonday

I am going to be in medieval Norway for the next couple months for #KLBR #DoorstopKristen. Enjoying it a lot, though I know it‘s also at times going to make me sad.

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Texreader Nice map!! 4mo

Ruthiella @Texreader I know! It‘s so pretty. 4mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

Quick check-in for #KLBR! How is your reading going? What do you think of the story so far?

I've read up through the end of Part 1. I found the first two chapters slow going (though I loved Kristin's interactions with Brother Edvin), but when I got to Chapter 3, I had a hard time putting it down!

And this is indeed #DoorstopKristin--I've been using my reading pillow to prop the huge thing up as I read 😆

tagged users icon

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, MaureenMc, Daisey, AmyG, Gleefulreader, JenlovesJT47, Texreader, MeganAnn, AnneCecilie, Caterina, Bklover, Andrea313, Suet624, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, Leniverse, CrowCAH, lauraisntwilder, staci.reads, Ruthiella, julieclair

TheBookHippie I adore this book. 4mo

Suet624 As you say, you need to be patient at the beginning and understand that this is the start of a long story. Be patient. You‘ll get hooked. 4mo

Ruthiella I‘ve only read the first chapter so far, but I like it! 4mo

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Librarybelle I hope to start this weekend! 4mo

Deblovestoread I‘ve started but haven‘t gotten very far. Life has been interfering as it does. (edited) 4mo

Daisey I‘ve read the first part and am enjoying it. 4mo

AmyG Exactly…..it got to a certain part where I was all in. I am hoping I get to Book 3. Life has been BUSY and allI want to do is just read. 4mo

AnneCecilie I haven‘t started yet, but have taken the book down from the bookshelf 😊 4mo

Leniverse I saw that book one has three parts, so I decided to wait a week 😂 Starting tomorrow. Honest 😬 4mo

BarbaraJean @TheBookHippie I'm so glad I'm finally reading it! 4mo

BarbaraJean @Suet624 I think I'm hooked at this point! I have been struggling with the names, but Undset has me on board now. 4mo

BarbaraJean @Ruthiella @Daisey Glad you're enjoying it so far! 4mo

BarbaraJean @Deblovestoread I know how that goes! @Librarybelle @AnneCecilie Soon! Taking the book off the shelf and hoping to start are progress of a sort 😉 4mo

BarbaraJean @AmyG Right?!? I debated cancelling plans yesterday to stay home and read 😆 @Leniverse 😂 😂 I admit I had the same thought when I saw there were three parts to the first book... 4mo

Andrea313 Close to the end of Part 1 and loving it! Like others have said, it started a little slow and then captured me all at once. 3mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

#BookSpinBingo has spoken! From the fiction half of my list, my #BookSpin is Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wreath, and from the nonfiction half of my list, my #DoubleSpin is The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. Really looking forward to both of these! 😊
@TheAromaofBooks

BarbaraJean Oooh, Kristin Lavransdatter! A bunch of us are buddy-reading the trilogy this summer (one book per month)—if you‘d like to join! 4mo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4mo

Caterina @BarbaraJean Oh how lovely! Yes, I'd love to join! 😊 4mo

BarbaraJean I‘ll add you to the tag list! 🎉🎉 We‘re using the hashtags #KLBR and #DoorstopKristin 😁 4mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

June reading is gonna keep me busy this time around! In addition to keeping up with the #PemberLittens, I'm really excited to start The Summer Book for #MidsummerSolace and to finally be kicking off the tagged chunkster with the #KLBR. I've never read Undset's classic series but have been eyeing it for years. So LFG!

Tamra The Summer Book 💙💙 4mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Sigrid Undset

I‘m starting this audiobook tonight. I‘ve read it before and loved i! And I‘ve even been to the author‘s hometown Lillehammer, Norway and took photos of her statue. So I‘m excited about the #LavransdatterBuddyRead #BuddyRead with @BarbaraJean

BarbaraJean Yaaay! I‘m really looking forward to this! 4mo

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Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

This was an insert that the Book of the Month Club included when they published their special printing of this book (I‘m still trying to figure out when they published it.) I think it‘s helpful to read this if you‘re struggling at the beginning of the novel.

@BarbaraJean #KLBR

AmyG All true. Thanks for posting this. 4mo

Suet624 @AmyG they put into words what I couldn‘t. I guess that‘s why the folks at the Book of the Month Club got paid the big bucks. 😊 4mo

BarbaraJean That‘s great encouragement to keep on! Thanks for sharing this! 4mo

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AnneCecilie I‘m not so sure that the 14th century is seen as the Viking area. The Norwegian Viking area is generally seen to be between 800 - 1050 4mo

Suet624 @BarbaraJean you‘re welcome! 4mo

Suet624 @AnneCecilie interesting! I hadn‘t considered that. 4mo

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blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

June is almost here, so I‘ve pulled out #DoorstopKristin and am gearing up to dive in on Sunday for #KLBR. I‘ve got my emotional support dumpster fire on hand just in case. Looking forward to reading along with all of you! What editions are you all reading? Single volume or individual books?

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rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, MaureenMc, Daisey, AmyG, Gleefulreader, JenlovesJT47, Texreader, MeganAnn, AnneCecilie, Bklover, Andrea313, Suet624, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, Leniverse, CrowCAH, lauraisntwilder, staci.reads, Ruthiella, julieclair

Booksblanketsandahotbeverage Love your Emotional Support Dumpster Fire! 🔥 4mo

BarbaraJean @Booksblanketsandahotbeverage Haha—thanks! Me too!! 4mo

Amiable Ha ha.. I have the same dumpster fire! My boss gave one to everyone on our team. 😄 4mo

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Texreader I‘ve got the chunkster!! 4mo

Librarybelle I have to the same edition, and I have an emotional support dumpster fire too! I bought one for myself when I picked up one for a friend…we all need one of those! 😂 4mo

CrowCAH It will be single volumes. 4mo

Deblovestoread I've got the full edition, but on my kindle. Love my dumpster fire, too. 4mo

Gleefulreader I have the same edition. Very excited to start on this finally! 4mo

Daisey I‘ve also got the same edition as pictured, but on Kindle. 4mo

Ruthiella I have the same edition as pictured from Penguin in print from the library which I will keep as long as I can renew it, but I also own it on Kindle. I bought it on a whim for something like $5.99 a few years ago. (edited) 4mo

Bklover I have the same edition too! For some reason I also have two different kindle copies- not sure why two, but one of them matches my book 4mo

Leniverse Single volume, original language here. How will we do this? Weekly check-ins, or? 4mo

Suet624 I have the three individual books as well as the entirety in the one large book published by the Book of the Month Club. I‘m primarily reading the individual books because the larger one smells a bit musty. 🙁 4mo

Andrea313 I've got the same edition- looking forward to getting started! 4mo

MeganAnn I‘ve got the same doorstop edition on my shelf. 😉 4mo

BarbaraJean @Librarybelle @Deblovestoread Emotional Support Dumpster Fire buddies! @Amiable What a great boss! My *former* boss is one of the reasons I needed this 😬

@Leniverse It‘ll be interesting to hear your thoughts on reading it in the original language! I‘m thinking small weekly check-ins then one discussion post at the end of each book. I‘ll probably post thoughts along the way and hope others do, as well! 4mo

julieclair I have had the individual volumes sitting on my shelf for years. I read book 1 and loved it, but never got around to volumes 2 & 3. I‘m looking forward to reading all 3 with my Litsy friends! Thanks so much for hosting this, @BarbaraJean ! 💙 4mo

rubyslippersreads I‘ve got the same version, but the ebook. 4mo

Caterina I have the same edition as you! A gift from my parents last year, who both read and loved the book recently. Looking forward to joining y'all. 😊 4mo

BarbaraJean @Caterina It's HUGE... I'm having to use my book pillow to help me hold it up 😂 I'm so glad your BookSpin timing aligned so nicely with the buddy read!! 4mo

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blurb

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

deracinate: (verb) uproot someone from their natural geographical, social, or cultural environment

An interesting word found as I was reading the introduction to the tagged book.

#WeirdWords #WeirdWordWednesday #KLBR

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CBee Very interesting and not one I‘ve heard before! 4mo

Suet624 Interesting! 4mo

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quote

Kristin Lavransdatter | Sigrid Undset

I‘m getting a head start on this book while I‘ve got some time this week, and this line from the introduction caught my attention.

#KLBR #DoorstopKristin #1001books #KindleQuotes

Ruthiella I love getting lost in a long book! 4mo

Daisey @Ruthiella Yes, I do too and thought this was a great way to express it! 4mo

tpixie #readlesmis come first to mind! lol then

[tagged book]

3mo

Daisey @tpixie Those are both good examples along with The Tale of Genji for me as well. 3mo

tpixie @Daisey 🩷🩷🩷 3mo

46 likes5 comments