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Kristin Lavransdatter

This epic saga chronicles the life of one woman in medieval Norway, charting her passions, spiritual struggles, and complex relationships through a tumultuous era. The author masterfully crafts compelling characters and sets the narrative against vividly realized historical backdrops. The work explores timeless themes of love, faith, family, and the personal journey of destiny. It's a profound exploration of human experience within a richly detailed past.

The Bridal Wreath
The Cross
The Mistress of Husaby
Kristin Labransdatter

Recommended Reading Order

  1. 1

    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 Bridal Wreath
  2. 2

    "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

    The Mistress of Husaby
  3. 3

    The Cross

    • 334 pages
    • 12 hours of reading
    4.4(2813)Add rating

    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 Cross
  • Kristin Labransdatter

    • 1069 pages
    • 38 hours of reading

    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.

    Kristin Labransdatter