by Julia Sneden

We have been re-reading books that we loved many years ago, and it has occurred to us that you might enjoy seeing them reviewed.

If you've never read them, the reviews may pique your interest. If you have read them already, you might consider dipping back into them as we have.

We find that it an interesting process, looking back at books we read in our twenties and thirties. The books themselves haven't changed, but thanks to the varied experiences that another twenty or thirty years have added to our lives, we read them from a different perspective. Herewith, the first review of an old, beloved book (actually, three books):

Sigrid Undset (1882-1949), the author of this trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter, was a remarkable woman. We suggest that you read the fascinating introduction to Volume 1, The Wreath, as the story of Undset's life is far too complex to repeat here. Suffice it to say that she is one of the great women of the 20th century: wife, mother, authority on the Middle Ages, writer, freedom fighter, and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928.

Volume 1:  The Wreath

The wreath referred to in the title is the floral wreath that young Norwegian girls in the Middle Ages were entitled to wear atop their unbound hair until marriage. All three volumes of Kristin Lavransdatter take place in the first half of the 14th century, roughly 1300-1350.

The story begins when Kristin is seven years old, the eldest and beloved daughter of Lavrans Bjorgulfson, Lord of the Manor called Jorundgaard. Her mother, Ragnild, is described as rather moody and melancholy, traits that may be understandable considering that she lost two male children before Kristin was born, and of her three daughters, the middle one was badly injured in an accident, and died young.

Although at first it may seem confusing to enter into the culture of the Middle Ages, Undset's true ear and her knowledge of the period soon draw the reader in. Her ability to deliver characters of depth and complexity makes her story as compelling as anything set in modern times. And if ever you wondered what differentiates great literature from soap operas or romance novels, these books should make it clear.

We follow Kristin from childhood to adolescence, during which she learns not only to read and perform housewifely duties, but also becomes familiar with the many medicinal uses of herbs and plants. Lavrans betroths her at a young age to Simon Andresson, an eminently good catch. Because of her youth, she is sent to live in a convent for a year before the wedding, and during this time, she falls in love with a dashing nobleman ten years her senior, Erland Nikulausson.

Erland has been in disgrace, having been banished and excommunicated for his affair with a married woman who bore him two children while her husband was still living. He has since broken off with the woman and done penance, and has been allowed to return to his homeland. After her husband died, however, out of pity for his former mistress and his love for his children, he has allowed her to live on his estate at Husaby, creating more scandal. He has paid dearly for his actions, and has lost the respect of his aristocratic family and connections.

Pages: 1 · 2 · 3