Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset; translated by Tiina Nunnally
** this review/reflection pertains to the first book of the trilogy, The Wreath
Paperback: 1168 pages
Publisher: Penguin Classics (September 27, 2005)
ISBN-13: 978-0143039167
Back-of-the-book blurb: (from the Penguin website, pertains only to the first book included in this trilogy) When The Wreath first appeared in English, the New York Times hailed it as “strong and dramatic, founded upon those emotions and impulses which belong not to any especial time or country, but to all humanity.” Against the background of a society ruled by centuries-old Norse traditions and the strictures of the Catholic Church (first established in Norway in tenth century), Undset tells the story of a headstrong young woman who defies the expectations of her much-beloved father, the lessons of her priest, and conventions of society when she is captivated by a charming and dangerously impetuous man. The courtship of Kristin Lavransdatter and Erlend Nikulaussøn is a far cry from the idealistic romances found in the historical novels of writers like Sir Walter Scott. Although she is betrothed to another man and is living in a convent, Kristin and Erlend manage to escape watchful eyes and give free rein to their love and their sexual impulses. When they are finally allowed to wed, they discover that the repercussions of their rebellious behavior are not easily put to rest.
She is Too Fond of Books’ thoughts: Our neighborhood book group chose Kristin Lavransdatter as our summer read; we were to tackle it over the summer, and get together in September to discuss it. I put an SOS on Twitter and was pointed to the Tiina Nunnally translation, said to be more “readable” than the original Archer translation, which contains a lot of “difficult” medieval language. I understand that some prefer the Archer translation; Nunnally is a better fit for me. I purchased the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition; it has the three book bound in one paperback with an introduction (best to read this after reading the book, I found), and good explanatory notes. Each volume is also available separately.
I read The Wreath, and will read the other two books (The Wife and The Cross). Our book group met and discussed it about six weeks ago; I’m just sitting down to put together my thoughts now, and I’m afraid they’re more than a bit disjointed. Richard at Caravana de Recuerdos is co-hosting a Kristin Lavransdatter read-along during October – December. He indicates that reviews and impressions are welcome; impressions are what I offer here.
I found the naming conventions interesting. It seems that children were not named after a living relative, but generally were named in honor of a dead one. Each generation takes its own father’s name as its surname. So, Lavrans Bjorgulfson, the patriarch of the family, is father to three daughters with the surname Lavransdatter. It’s fairly easy to track children through their fathers this way, but maternal ties get confusing. With seemingly as many names as in War and Peace, I could have used a lineage chart; there wasn’t one in my book, perhaps in other editions (?)
The family of Lavrans Bjorgulfson were well off; better than peasants and servants, but not as well-off as more wealthy landowners and royalty. Lavrans Bjorgulfson did have political influence in the area.
When Kristin became engaged to be married to Simon, she was sent to a convent for a year. Apparently there were two types of girls at the convent: those who were dedicated to a life within the church, and those who spent a period of time before or after a life-event … almost like a finishing school.
The book had a curious mix of Catholicism and mysticism. Religon played an important role in their daily lives, yet they still relied on potions and incantations for healing; they were very superstitious. In one scene very early in the book, an elf maiden (also called a dwarf maiden) tried to lure Kristin into the woods by offering her a “wreath of golden flowers.”
I don’t want to talk about the relationships, for fear of giving away some plot. The teaser is that you’ll read about unrequited love, adultery, jealousy, murder, and other potential scandals!
A quote that struck me:
It’s a good thing when you don’t dare do something if you don’t think it’s right. But it’s not good when you think something’s not right because you don’t dare do it.
You might have to read that quote a few times, it sounds like a bit of a logic puzzle. When you’ve got it sorted out tell me, do you agree?
My thoughts and impressions (or perhaps a coherent review) of The Wife will be posted toward the end of November. I’ll link to Richard and Emily’s wrap-up posts when I see them; in the meantime, check out Rhapsody in Books’ review of Kristin Lavransdatter, where she makes a convincing comparison to Fiddler on the Roof.
FTC disclosure: I purchased this book from my local independent bookseller!
I loved the mix of Catholicism with older types of magic. That’s precisely how medieval people operated; they were devout, but there is always that outside bit of magic/mysticism that we now look on as something closer to witchcraft. As another example, in 15th c England people carried about amulets with magic words and special gemstones on them, but never in the record has anyone considered this peculiar or unchristian. This type of thing is rarely mentioned in historical fiction and I really enjoyed that Sigrid Undset included it.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest as you continue! =)
Disjointed comments: I never read introductions first because they include spoilers and color my reading. Naming kids after someone who has died is a very old Jewish tradition, it wouldn’t have struck me as odd. That mix of Catholicism and and mysticism: what Meghan said.
That’s one of my favorite quotes from the book.
I too loved the mix of religion and magic – it’s such an interesting example of people doing whatever they can to help the world make sense.
I started the trilogy years ago, setting it aside for a moment when I had more time. Think I’ll pick it up again soon!
Love the quote. It sounds like an interesting read. I’ll have to make some time for this one.
Meghan – yes, the two (more structured religion and mysticism) lived comfortably side by side. Good to get your input!
Beth F – I knew about the Jewish custom of naming after someone who has died, but I didn’t realize it was NOT good (as in, actually BAD) to name after someone still living.
Sarah- “whatever they can do to make the world make sense” … so true! There was another quote about the best days being very costly (better to plod along with regular days), but I couldn’t find the exact wording … do you know it?
Caroline – you might take a look at the Nunnally translation, it’s fairly new.
Toni – it’s a big book, but doing the readalong will get me through it, one section at a time.
Your neighborhood is obviously a lot smarter than mine!
Great thoughts! I thought the role of the convent was interesting, too – a sort of covert way for young, unmarried women to get a little experience of the world before they were married off. And I like that Fru Aashild quote – don’t fool yourself into thinking your cowardice is righteousness – a good thing to keep in mind.
Dawn, I didn’t think your thoughts were disjointed at all! Although I agree it’s very difficult to review a work in progress, I thought your Fru Aashild quote (I second Emily’s interpretation of it, by the way) and your comment on the mix of Christianity and paganism in the book (a trait which is also evident in Beowulf) make for wonderful “impressions” to share. I’m curious how much you enjoyed the work, though. Was it a good read for you? I had my issues with it, alas…
Yes, I read that quote at least 3 times, wondering if I needed to draw a diagram! :–)
Kathy – We had one woman driving this book choice; she led the meeting and prepped us with background about the author and the history (to that time) of the area. With her moderation the discussion wouldn’t have been as strong!
Emily – There was another quote I really liked, but I can’t find it again (see my note to Sarah). Several nice take-away nuggets tucked in the text.
Richard – hmm, I didn’t really say if I liked it or not, did I? I enjoyed THE WREATH and Undset’s writing for what it gave me – a pleasant enough (and mostly plausible) story of historical fiction.
I’m hoping that as we read through THE WIFE and THE CROSS we see Kristin grow more mature, less self-centered (she really was – didn’t you love the priest scolding her when she commented that the church fire was on her account!), and stronger in taking care of herself and her family, beyond her love interest.
So, I liked it well enough, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Kristin develops – I have high hopes for her! Popping over to read your thoughts now …
rhapsody – LOL! A lineage chart would have been useful, too. Our neighbor brought a sketch of the layout of a typical house – I like looking at that kind of historical visual aid.
Wikipedia has a helpful chart for the characters…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KristinLavransdatter_FictionalCharacters.jpg
and for the real people in the book, too…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KristinLavransdatter_RealCharacters2.jpg
It is ironic about the naming conventions since they can’t know for sure whose father anyone is. Ragnfrid proves this when she confesses to Lavrans.
I agree about Kristin’s immaturity. It took away from my reading experience quite a bit actually, she had so much potential at the beginning of the book!
I’m hoping that with motherhood and age, she can grow up a little.
So glad to see you post this, had it in the back of my mind since we chatted at the CBS. Now I know to check wikipedia for a linneage chart and to be prepared for some slogging. As a descendant of swedish grandma (mormor) and norwegian grandpa, I’ve certainly tried to read it in the past, but didn’t know @ the other translation. Don’t know if 2009 is my year for this (egads only 2 months left !), but wonder if my bkgrp would be up for it in 2010 ? Only other big classic we’ve done is Anna Karenina, with a similar “read it over the summer, talk about it in the fall” schedule. That worked well, maybe this might too.
[...] Dawn at She is Too Fond of Books [...]
I adored this series! I think she got the Nobel Prize in literature for this, didn’t she?
I have this book in the same edition that you have. I have heard a lot of good things about it, and really want to get a chance to read it soon. My problem seems to be too many books, too little time. I will be interested in hearing what you thought of the other parts of the book, so I will definitely be checking back!
Great thoughts! I especially like your focus on that blurred line of devotion between the newer Catholicism and the pagan beliefs of old. Interesting how the characters always seem to revert to the old ways when times are most challenging as if Christianity is a new car they are just test-driving. Will be curious to see what you make of the other parts of the book as well. Not working out too well for me yet but I have high hopes. And of course am enjoying the reading company.
I agree that a naming chart and family tree would be helpful (I will check out softdrink’s link) and I enjoyed your take on the blurred lines between the old faith and the new. I am fascinated by the spread of the christian faith and the Catholic church’s consolidation of wealth and power. I love the quote you chose!
That is an excellent quote to choose! I really think it sums up the whole section well. I am looking forward to reading what everyone thinks of the next sections! I had mixed feelings about this first one, but I have a feeling I will like the work overall.
[...] to Richard and Emily for hosting this read-along! Other participants: kiss a cloud, She is Too Fond of Books, nonsuch book, page 247, 5-squared, Rhapsody in Books, Save Ophelia, what we have here is a [...]