66 pages 2 hours read

Sigrid Undset

Kristin Lavransdatter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1920

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset is a trilogy of historical novels following the life of Kristin, a strong-headed woman living in 1300s Norway. The novels depict her journey from betrothal to Simon Darre, falling in love with Erlend Nikulausson, their tumultuous marriage, and her struggles with societal norms, family, and faith. The narrative explores themes of love, sin, redemption, and societal expectations in medieval Scandinavia. Describes instances of attempted sexual assault, misogyny, and child loss.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset deftly explores medieval Norway through the life of a compelling protagonist. Praised for its historical accuracy and rich, immersive detail, it captivates readers with complex characters and profound themes. Some find its pace slow and its narrative dense, but overall, it remains a landmark in historical fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kristin Lavransdatter?

Fans of historical sagas and richly detailed medieval settings will be captivated by Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. Similar in scope to Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose or Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth, this epic trilogy appeals to readers who appreciate intricate character development and moral complexity within a vividly realized historical context.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Scandinavian Literature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Emotions/Behavior: Love