2026 Reading Challenge
Kristin Lavransdatter

Questions About Kristin Lavransdatter

by Sigrid Undset

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Answered Questions (6)

Which translation do you recommend and why?
Neil White The newer translation by Tiina Nunally is preferred by most readers, I think - it's quite beautiful and modern sounding, very straightforward and more…moreThe newer translation by Tiina Nunally is preferred by most readers, I think - it's quite beautiful and modern sounding, very straightforward and more like Undset's original prose. It reads like 20th century fiction, basically. Some people prefer the older original translation by Charles Archer and J.S. Scott, but it's rather archaic sounding - lots of 'thee's and 'thou's and 'methinks', etc. It was a stylistic choice to reflect the 14th century of the novel, but a lot of people think it's distracting and does a disservice to Undset's prose. I can see why they thought that might be an interesting choice, but I think the Nunally is far superior.(less)
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I read this book about twenty years ago. The feeling remains with me, but I can't remember details although it lived with me for many years. I recommend reading it and look forward to the discussion to jog my memory. I may even reread. About two years ago I bought a used copy of Sigrid Undset's Ida Elizabeth hoping for the same engagement, but I couldn't get into it. Anyone read it?
Connie Brown I read one or two of Undset's shorter books, but they didn't have the power of the two big ones. I met Kristin Lavransdattar in 1961 and loved it. Lat…moreI read one or two of Undset's shorter books, but they didn't have the power of the two big ones. I met Kristin Lavransdattar in 1961 and loved it. Later in '62 I read The Master of Hestviken, also really long. It hit me at an important moment in my life, when I briefly thought Ayn Rand knew what she was talking about. Then I read The Master . . . and realized that Undset deeply knew human nature and that AR did not.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Angela It seems Erling and Halfrid maybe were lovers when Halfrid was married to the abusive first husband. Simon implies Erling could have saved her and to …moreIt seems Erling and Halfrid maybe were lovers when Halfrid was married to the abusive first husband. Simon implies Erling could have saved her and to atone for not saving her, Erling should help Kristin. Erling basically says, “look dude, that was a long time ago, and Halfrid committing adultery and running off would not have helped her and besides Kristin is no saint.” Simon is then embarrassed he brought it up and realizes it was dishonorable to try to shame the nobleman by trying to manipulate him based on his past, especially when he’s kind of right about Kristin. That’s my read, though it is kind of convoluted. But Simon has very convoluted and precious ideas about what’s proper and what isn’t. (less)
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I like the book but I'm having issues keeping up with who's who. Anyone else have this issue?
Mandy Yes, and you'll find that confusion through the whole book! …moreYes, and you'll find that confusion through the whole book! (less)
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How long does it take to get "into" this? I just started (I'm on Chapter 2) and it is BORING me so far! The translation seems a bit... stolid.
Dee True the language is difficult & when I first started reading it I thought OH MY WHAT HAVE I TAKEN ON but the plot got to me regardless. And I usually…moreTrue the language is difficult & when I first started reading it I thought OH MY WHAT HAVE I TAKEN ON but the plot got to me regardless. And I usually don't read historical drama type books so it surprised me how much I enjoyed it. It could be you're just not ready to read it yet. . I have tried MOBY DICK 2 times but couldn't get through it because of the language but next year I hope to try again(less)
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