Sigrid Undset was a novelist whose work deeply explored the medieval period and its moral complexities. Her historical novels, particularly the trilogy focusing on Kristin Lavransdatter, stand as monumental achievements in world literature. Through her writing, Undset examined themes of faith, destiny, and human agency within historical settings. Her enduring literary legacy lies in her ability to render the past with profound psychological insight and timeless relevance.
Set in 14th century Norway, the final book of the "Kristin Lavransdatter" trilogy follows Kristin as she returns to her childhood farm after losing her husband's inheritance. Struggling to earn the respect of her community, she faces various family and personal conflicts that lead to a tragic conclusion. The trilogy is acclaimed for its realistic depiction of Norwegian life, showcasing Kristin's journey from a rebellious youth to a woman grappling with adult responsibilities and societal expectations.
"The third volume of Olav Audunssøn finds Olav heartbroken by loss and further estranged from his son. Set in a time and place where royalty and religion vie for power, and bloodlines and loyalties are law, Crossroads summons a powerful picture of Northern life in medieval times--a moving re-creation of a vanished world tainted by bloodshed and haunted by sin and retribution."-- Provided by publisher
Delve into a captivating exploration of a significant historical figure's life, revealing the complexities of their character and the impact of their actions on society. This biography offers an in-depth analysis of personal struggles, achievements, and the broader historical context, making it a compelling read for those interested in the interplay between individual lives and historical events. The narrative is rich with detail, providing a vivid portrayal that brings history to life.
The acknowledged masterpiece of the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian novelist Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter has never been out of print in this country since its first publication in 1927. Its story of a woman's life in fourteenth-century Norway has kept its hold on generations of readers, and the heroine, Kristin—beautiful, strong-willed, and passionate—stands with the world's great literary figures. Volume 1, The Bridal Wreath, describes young Kristin's stormy romance with the dashing Erlend Nikulausson, a young man perhaps overly fond of women, of whom her father strongly disapproves.
The narrative follows a young, aspiring painter navigating the complexities of life and love. Set against a backdrop of emotional depth, the story explores her struggles, aspirations, and relationships, reflecting the poignant themes of ambition and romance. With rich character development and evocative prose, this classic romance captures the essence of artistic yearning and the challenges faced by a woman in pursuit of her dreams.
"The Mistress of Husaby, tells of Kristin's troubled and eventful married life on the great estate of Husaby, to which her husband has taken her."-- provided by publisher
Inspired by tales of the hero Vilmund Vidutan and his fellow knights, Sigurd
Jonsson and his young friends Ivar and Helge set out to reenact these exploits
on their medieval Norwegian farm. But when the summer is nearly over, the
three boys stumble into real trouble and must prove their courage in an
adventure all their own.
This is "the story of Ida Elisabeth, who marries her teenage sweetheart. Early in their marriage, she realizes that her charming husband is incapable of supporting the family and she sews dresses to make ends meet. After the marriage falls apart, Ida Elisabeth moves with her children to a small town, where she attracts the attention of a man with the drive her husband lacked. As she contemplates marring again, her former husband, now gravely sick, re-enters her life"--Page 4 of cover.
When Jenny was first published in 1911, Undset found herself called immoral — “this is a side of the free, artistic life that the vast majority of citizens would rather not know.” The novel tells the story of Jenny Winge, a talented Norwegian painter who goes to Rome to seek artistic inspiration but ultimately betrays her own ambitions and ideals. After falling into an affair with the married father of a would-be suitor, Jenny has a baby out-of- wedlock and decides to raise the child on her own. Undset’ s portrayal of a woman struggling toward independence and fulfillment is written with an unflinching, clear-eyed honesty that renders her story as compelling today as it was nearly a century ago. This new translation by Tiina Nunnally captures the fresh, vivid style of Undset’s writing and restores passages omitted from the only previous edition to appear in English, which was published in 1921. Most famous for her later, historical fiction set in Catholic, medieval Scandinavia, Undset stands revealed with Jenny, her first major novel, as an unsparing, compassionate, magnificent realist, the creator of works that are at once thoroughly modern and of enduring interest.
A Scandinavian classic by the recipient of the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature. The trilogy provides a dynastic account of life in a medieval community. Kristin is a daughter of the Dark Ages and the time when faith in the old gods has receded in the wake of the new religion, Christianity.
