“In this new translation by Tiina Nunnally of a Nobel Prize winning Norwegian epic, Sigrid Undset's classic evocation of medieval Norway's landscapes, architecture, culture, and society has quickly become one of my favorite books ever. Reading the quiet and effortless prose that is nonetheless steeped in studious observations about characters and society, one becomes completely captivated by another culture in another time. There is a feeling as of walking in a pine grove early on a winter's morning: high, piercing, and haunting. The book explores the life of its title character, Kristin, as she grows into a young maiden in a secluded montane farming village, rebels against her parents' wishes and marries the charming yet irresponsible Erlend Nikulaussøn, becomes a mother to seven sons, and continuously faces the trials and tragedies of life and the consequences of pride. Exploring the harsh, dramatic, and lush climates, and a people at turns blunt and delicate, simple and intricate, Undset's Norway is filled with courage, community, meaning, and bracing charity that rings of timeless truth and beauty and relevance. It is available in this one-volume deluxe version or separately in its original three volumes, The Wreath, The Wife, and The Cross.”
Michael wrote this review Sunday, March 15 2009.
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