“[Sigrid Undset] should be the next Elena Ferrante.” —SlateThe turbulent historical masterpiece of Norway’s literary master 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 … 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.
This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition includes an introduction by Brad Leithauser and features French flaps and deckle-edged paper.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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When I bought this book I thought it would be good but I quit after a couple chapters because it just wasn’t enjoyable reading.
A classic that I should have read long ago! Have now read everything she’s written!
Great book that I’ve re-read at least 2 times.
Without a doubt the best book I have ever read. Illuminates the Catholic faith, has memorable, believable characters, and a marvelous story, So much authentic history taught. I had no interest in Scandinavia, nor in the middle ages before I picked up this marvelous book. Highly recommended!
I read this book 65 yrs ago. Now it is out of print but found it on book bub and bought it…good historical fiction.
Didn’t like any of the characters and that there was no satisfying end. Historical aspect was interesting, however, and I did keep sloughing through to the end.
Historical fiction, Norway, female main character
There is a lot of religious beating up of the characters, but it would have been typical of the times it took place probably. I learned a bit of the history of Norway, but it was tedious to me at times, because of all the religion
It was a great story but somewhat difficult to navigate with all the names. Many of the characters had two or three names for the same person!
The translation is wonderful as compared to an older version.
Not an easy to read book, more like a classic like Ana Karenina, holds the reader. But if you put it down for a couple days,hard to remember the characters.
A great look at women’s life duting medieval times in Scandanavia.
My mother lovingly gave me this book – almost as a rite of passage from young reader to something more. Kristin’s life unfolds and you enter her world through her long life. Be good to yourself and get this book
The epic classic of a Nobel laureate.
A great classic; much easier to read than most literature in the same genre.