Mailbox Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Marcia at the Printed Page.
Today I’m sharing a new doorstop book that I picked up to bring on vacation. Our neighborhood book group chose Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset to read over the summer; we’ll discuss it at our next meeting in September.
Here’s the publisher’s description of the book:
In her great historical epic Kristin Lavransdatter, set in fourteenth-century Norway, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset tells the life story of one passionate and headstrong woman. Painting a richly detailed backdrop, Undset immerses readers in the day-to-day life, social conventions, and political and religious undercurrents of the period. Now in one volume, Tiina Nunnally’s award-winning definitive translation brings this remarkable work to life with clarity and lyrical beauty.
As a young girl, Kristin is deeply devoted to her father, a kind and courageous man. But when as a student in a convent school she meets the charming and impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn, she defies her parents in pursuit of her own desires. Her saga continues through her marriage to Erlend, their tumultuous life together raising seven sons as Erlend seeks to strengthen his political influence, and finally their estrangement as the world around them tumbles into uncertainty.
With its captivating heroine and emotional potency, Kristin Lavransdatter is the masterwork of Norway’s most beloved author—one of the twentieth century’s most prodigious and engaged literary minds—and, in Nunnally’s exquisite translation, a story that continues to enthrall.
You have to understand, I’ve tried several times, but haven’t been able to finish War and Peace. I was a bit put off by the phrases “historical epic” and “saga”; the billing of Sigrid Undset as “one of the twentieth century’s most prodigious and engaged literary minds” really poured on the pressure!
I put out an SOS on Twitter, asking for advice – am I setting myself up for failure? is this epic as readable and enjoyable as my neighbor claims? any particular translation to look for?:
Have any of u tweeps read KRISTIN LAVRANSTADDER THE BRIDAL WREATH trilogy! Neighborhood bk chose it 4 Sept & it looks like quite a tome!
This, by the way, is when I discovered that my iPhone wanted to auto-correct “tweeps” to “twerps” … good thing I proof-read my tweet before hitting “send!” It was too much to catch me reversing the D and T in Kristin’s surname, though 
The responses were immediate and positive, including:
- @Wordlily: I’ve read it! Love it. I read the Archer translation, which is supposedly the lesser of the two.
- @MyFriendAmy: hmmm no. good luck with that!
- @MindyWithrow: KRISTIN is absolutely remarkable! I recommend the Tiina Nunnally translation. Reviewed it at http://mindywithrow.com/?p=1011
- @MariJorstad: As a Norwegian I had to read the first book in school. At times interesting, but overall worth while.
- @AnneMazer: it’s been years, but I read a couple of the books. I seem to remember that they were extraordinary (but kind of sad, too)
OK, so maybe @MyFriendAmy’s tweet wasn’t a resounding endorsement, but her “good luck” was sincere! I got five responses within 20 minutes of posting my question; the power of Twitter!
I bought the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, translated by Tiina Nunnally. It runs a whopping 1146 pages and combines the three novels: The Wreath, The Wife, and The Cross. It may be a while before I finish it, but I will report back with my review … sometime before the snow falls!
What’s new on your bookshelf this week?
I start shaking just thinking about reading those big whoppers. I know nothing of this one, but those who have read it seem to love it! I received a couple of blog tour books that I’m diving into, plus I got a couple goodies from the library. Need more time!
That sounds like a good book, but not a vacation read. Good luck!
Wow! Can’t wait to hear what you think. If it is good, it is of course worth every page. Quantity never bothers me.
Sounds good to me!
Mondays: Musings/Whereabouts
It’s hard when book is on the lengthy side. Sometimes it’s so good that you don’t even feel its length and other times all you can think is “why in Gawd’s name did I agree to read this?” I hope this one is too good to put down. For your sake. LOL.
That book is pretty big, even for a doorstopper! I’m impressed you got so many quick tweets on it!
Oh boy…that sounds like a hefty tome…enjoy!!
My mailbox is here.
Sandy – I was fine when it was suggested at book group, but when I saw the specifics, I got a bit nervous … will report back!
Kathy – I haven’t cracked it open yet …
Wisteria – I agree; if it grabs me, the number of pages doesn’t matter!
gautami – I’ll head over to see what’s new for you …
Ti – you and me both
rhapsody – I was grateful for the tweets – I bought the “best” translation based on those
Kelly – I can do arm curls with the book, for exercise!
That is a very impressive size. It makes me tired just thinking about lugging it around! But the number of people who responded so positively is such a good sign.
The words “fourteenth-century Norway” peaked my interest, just because I never read a book set then/there. The length is quite intimidating, though
Good luck – I hope you love it and convince us all to give it a try!
I have this book on my shelf, but haven’t yet read it. I have heard really good things about it though, and am excited to get to it, even though it is really long. I will be interested to see what you think of it, and maybe your opinion will push it to the top of my pile. Good luck with it!
I have read this book a long time ago, the original translation. Our book group is reading the Bridal Wreath, the first in the trilogy, for our next meeting in a few weeks. The new translation by Tiina Nunnally will be a much more enjoyable read, I have no doubt. The story is good, full of insight into 14th century life, and a real Norwegian classic. I hope you will enjoy it. The new translation contains all three books in the trilogy, so if you are reading only the first, the Bridal Wreath, it is not so daunting.
Belle – I agree with you – all those endorsements from other readers have me confident about this!
Nymeth – I’ll let you know
zibilee – I’ll admit that I wouldn’t have picked it up if it hadn’t been chosen for our book group. I’m feeling positive about it, though.
Nancy – thanks for your comment supporting the Nunnally translation. yes, we are reading the entire trilogy. I hope your book group enjoys the Bridal Wreath as well.