Kristin Lavransdatter: The Bridal Wreath; The Mistress of Husaby; The Cross

The novel begins with our hero Kristin bathing in the love of her parents in living in the comfort of a wealthy home. As she grows, she finds herself completely in love, and against the wishes of her parents and her betrothed (another far more suitable man) pursues and secures the man of her dreams. But of course we must be careful what we wish for, and the novels take us through the trials and tribulations of life with someone you love, but are not necessarily suited to.

This is a rich and detailed novel, that is not always to read, but at time it was so powerful that it reduced me to tears. You become completely involved in the character's lives, and in the end this gives you a real sense of satisfaction in your reading.

It certtainly is a different book, and one which is well worth your time.


Great historical novel, but so much more   January 14, 2003
jodienut (Pennsylvania, USA)
36 out of 40 found this review helpful

At first, I was a little put off by the abundance of place names and characters in the book. It took me awhile to get through the first few chapters. However, I soon found myself completely hooked and physically unable to put this book down. It is without a doubt the best book I have read in a very long time. I am only surprised that I haven't heard of it before.

As I read, I found so many different things to like about this book. First, there is the setting: medieval Norway. The author writes realistically (at least I judge it so) within this setting, and it is fascinating. She gives an impossible wealth of details about many things. (To be honest, I skipped over many of the details in favor of the storyline. I'm just not that much of an historian, but I did appreciate the research done.)

Second, there is the storyline, with its irresistable call. The book is worth reading for that alone. It reminds me of a medieval Norwegian "Gone with the Wind" - only better. I am not much the "Gone with the Wind" type myself, so if tragic plotlines turn you off, never fear! The book manages to remain positive, if not exactly with a "Hollywood ending." Powerful and inspiring, it offers romance, political intrigue, betrayal, adventure, heartbreak and way too much more to mention here.

The characters in this book are so real, so well developed (I guess in 1000 pages, you'd hope they would be!). Through them, the author holds a mirror up to life. I found myself fascinated.

In closing, a note about politics. The author goes into some detail about the politics of the time, and I have to admit I found this part very dry. (I am definitely a light-weight in that respect.) Around the middle of the second book, there is a lot of such political plotline. I was actually able to put the book down for a few hours when I hit this point. If you reach this point and find yourself ready to quit, I encourage you to skim past this part, because the personal storyline reappears with a satisfying crunch.

Stick with it! Skip the boring parts. You will be glad you did!


Pure Genius that Still Haunts Me   September 22, 2006
L.L. Barkat
22 out of 22 found this review helpful

I read this as a book-club selection, and I'm so glad I did. Under different circumstances, I might have avoided the title, because of its size and the seemingly dry first page (it starts with a lineage and a history of the family's geographical locations).

Well. Thank heavens for book clubs. Because this is a book I will read again, and I rank it right up there with Marquez's Hundred Years of Solitude.

Undset follows the life of one woman, Kristin Lavransdatter, from childhood to death. The handling of the various season's of Kristin's life are pure genius. Undset captures the qualities of each stage, without being trite or predictable. I think this is why I often felt as if I were inside the mind and heart of Kristin, even though our surface circumstances are wildly different.

Here's an example of a scene that absolutely made me weep, because I could relate to that fearful time of life when one looks at one's parents and realizes they won't always be here. The poignant moment takes place in a "hollow between small hills," as Kristin departs from her father.

"Kristin...ran her fingers over his clothing and his hand and his saddle, and along the neck and flank of his horse; she pressed her head here and there..." (p.544)

The desperation, the sense of wanting to touch and touch again that which is about to slip through one's fingers... how beautifully Undset captures that.

And, how beautifully she also captures so many other moments--of passion and betrayal, of forgiveness and unforgiveness, of acceptance and denial, of longing and loss.

I wish I had a few weeks to hide away in my room... I would pick this up again without pause. Nevertheless, the characters are still with me, calling me to a reflection and deep feeling I haven't experienced in quite some time.


Kristin Lavransdatter, for me, is the story of Everywoman.   June 4, 1997
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

The trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter, tells the story of a Scandanavian woman who lived in the 1400s. The books--The Bridal Wreath, The Mistress of Husaby, and The Cross--were written by Sigrid Undset and won the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Before I commit to read a book, I have to want to read it. For many years, my younger brother told me I should read Kristin Lavransdatter. My reaction: What is so great about some lady living in the middle of nowhere in the 1400s? Maybe later...on to the bestseller list.

Oops! I had to eat my words and credit little brother with a great pick! Not to mention a total surprise!

This is probably the best set of books I have ever read in a lifelong love affair with the written word. The story chronicles the life of a woman from youth to death. In essence, however, the author touches on the lives of all women who have loved a man or men, borne and reared children, and faced the lighthearted concerns of youth, the cares of everyday adult existence, and, finally, the contemplations of elderly wives, widows, and grandmothers. Kristin's joys and trials are familiar...universal. First, she defies her parents. (Sound familiar?) She makes choices, then lives with the consequences of her choices.

Sometimes the names and terms are confusing; but, ultimately, the story is well worth the effort. Try it! And remember, men, my brother, whose reading tastes revolve around Asimov, engineering, and the Civil War, pushed these volumes rather forcefully into my purview.


the Book for all times   March 3, 2001
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

I've purchased this book 2 years ago, and 9 years have passed since I first read it. I tend to re-read it at least once per year, especially when the first buds of depression appear or I doubt the purpose of human life.

The book is profound and epic in handling the storyline, it's well worth the Nobel prize. It's not a silly bodice-ripper or the story unnecessary embellished by descriptions of sumptuous feasts, glittering costumes, erotic scenes etc. Though, the descriptions of Norway's astute yet breathtaking nature are lavish. The author also expertly describes aspects of social and religious traditions of Norway in 14th century, way of living and thinking, standards of behavior and culture. It's the book where musings and inner conversations of the characters occupy paragraphs.

If you've read this review so far you probably start thinking it's a boring and moralizing book. But behold this: the book spans the life story of Kristiin, daughter of noble parents, and her happy childhood, involves forbidden illicit passion, murder, her stormy and controversial marriage, pride in seeing her sons growing, estrangements and reunions, family feuds, a royal conspiracy, constant choice between earthly chores and consolation in God, heroic and mundane. We see the world as it has been through eyes of the three main characters, their joy, hatred, secret sorrow and passion.

I've read quite a few excellent historical novels by modern writers (such as Zoe Oldenbourg, Margaret George, Sharon K Penmann), but this book is different. Read it and make sure yourself! Subject of the book is eternal. The choices the characters face and hardships they have to overcome are as old as humankind. The ultimate gift of the author, what makes this book different is that the reader feels both close and wrenching sympathy for Kristiin and her kind, but still they remain remote for their rhythm of life, way of thinking and world perception is 600 years old. But the thread of life spins through the pages and binds past and future and we feel tenderness of a caress, warmth of fire and pain from losses. For technology and traditions change, not the human nature itself.