Lately I've been very interested in Scandinavian culture and history, especially Norwegian. I've read a collection of plays by Henrik Ibsen, earlier I read a book called "The Emigrants" by Wilhelm Moberg (Swedish). Now I'm reading the first of a trilogy by Sigrid Undsett, Kristin Lavransdatter.
It's set in 14th century Norway, during a time when a social and economic caste system was strictly followed. Men sought honor and prestige. Women did the best they could with the circumstances they were afforded, either by fate (God) or their man.
Kristin grows up in this first installment. She finds love (sometimes noticing it too late) and struggles between new loves and loyalty to her loving father. This story is a wonderful re-telling of the tangled mess that relationships become. There are power struggles, deep-set anxieties, fears and joys.
Sigrid Undsett was a wonderful storyteller. If you want a glimpse into Norwegian culture, history and contemporary caricatures, this is a great place to start. This work is a new translation, overdue according to the translator Tiina Nunnally. With her contributions the novel has a great contemporary feel.
1 comment:
I'll need to add it to my list. Good to see you writing.
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