Kristin Lavransdatter -- Buddy Read

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

It is a good read so far.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I've completed the first five chapters.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I've completed the first five chapters."

I was intimidated by the physical size of the book, but it is easy to get into the book and read and read.

[Bat-Cat]

I am currently on Chapter 6 of Part 2 of The Wreath (14%) and I am really enjoying it. As Kathy says, it is easy to get into and read and read and read. I am amazed at how quickly it is going - I hope not too fast so that the ride lasts a long time. ;-)

(view spoiler)[That Kristan, oh my. She sure is making some questionable choices now isn't she... Is anyone supervising her at all? It feels like she has been left to make vital decisions for herself that will have (apparently) huge ramifications for her future. I think somebody needs to rein her in. :) (hide spoiler)]

It sure is keeping me on my toes, I might go so far as to say possibly even the edge of my seat.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

I finished Book 1: The Wreath, and ready to start Book 2: The Wife. I thought this would take me about three months to finish by just looking at the sheer size of the novel, but it is so good I am reading right along.

I love (view spoiler)[ how our Kristin as she makes poor choices begins to see the consequences that her actions have on others. (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I just compared the first two paragraphs of Tiina Nunnaly translation via kindle sample to my library copy of Archer & Scott translation of The Bridal Wreath.

I was struggling to read the clunky text of my library copy and was thinking of stopping at Volume I altogether.

The Nunnaly translation is so much better!

I'm going to order a used copy--I wish I could bring myself to spring for the kindle edition, but $16--ouch!

I usually read whatever translation is in the library or available at project Gutenberg.

For anyone who has not started, stay away from Archer/Scott translation. Shudders!

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I just compared the first two paragraphs of Tiina Nunnaly translation via kindle sample to my library copy of Archer & Scott translation of The Bridal Wreath.

...The Nunnaly translation is so much better!..."


Oh good! That is the version I am reading and I really really like it. I'll recommend it to my friends!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Yes, do recommend the Nunnaly translation.

I'm going to post a sample of my library copy before I return it on Monday.

[Amy]

Just finished the first chapter. It's obviously not a lot, but after a bit I was able to get totally into it. Looking forward to reading the whole thing.

[Kathleen]

I am about 50 pages in, chapter 5, and love the story. The first chapter was the hardest, but I took my time, trying to acclimate to the period and the writing.

I think Andrea's advice is definitely good about the newer translation. I'm sticking with the old one though and I'm getting used to it. The action and stakes grab you pretty quickly with this which helps.

I think it will take me longer with this version, at least that's what I'm going to blame it on (this time). :-)

[Amy]

For me, the story really got going once she had her vision. The beginning definitely took time, with the names, who owned what piece of land, plus all the traveling. Oh, and that creepy old man who talks about making Kristin his next wife? I know he is probably kidding, but I remember thinking "idk, I guess skeezy old men have always been around."

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Just checking -- how are we all doing and where are you in the book?

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

My new copy arrived.

I have to finish a couple of other bingo books that I want to complete this month.

Having to stop bec of that horrid translation ruined my momentum. I had planned to complete Vol 1 this month.

[Kathleen]

I'm about half way through book 1. It's pretty exciting and romantic! Did you finish book 2 yet, Kathy?

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Kathleen, I'm having a different reaction to this "romance."

[Kathleen]

Sorry, bad choice of words. It's definitely not a romance. I meant it in the adventuresome sense. Certainly not idyllic, but full of interesting characters and situations.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Yes, the characters are interesting.

I don't think the rest of this book is going to be dull, especially if she gets rid of her betrothed for this fellow.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Kathleen wrote: "I'm about half way through book 1. It's pretty exciting and romantic! Did you finish book 2 yet, Kathy?"

I am in Book II: The Wife, Part II: Husaby, Chapter 4
And these people just need to actually talk to each other.

[Bat-Cat]

Hi Everyone,

I just finished Book I: The Wreath last night (26%).

I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. I am sorry I have been a bit absent from discussions these last couple of weeks but life has been interfering with my personal plans - the nerve of it! As the great Dowager Countess would say, "we have been overcome by events". So hopefully, now that things seem to be calming down a little, my participation will be a lot more regular from here on but.... you never know.

Yes, this romance of sorts, almost like a clandestine affair although neither of them are already betrothed, well maybe Erlund in a strange way. It is definitely an odd and far from idyllic situation as far as most of the characters are concerned (myself included). We will see how she manages to make the most of this pickle she has gotten herself into.

[Val]

I just moments ago ordered the book because all this chatter about it has me intrigued. I hope it arrives in the post soon; I will be trailing along behind all of you, but every train needs a caboose, right?

[Bat-Cat]

Val wrote: "I just moments ago ordered the book because all this chatter about it has me intrigued. I hope it arrives in the post soon; I will be trailing along behind all of you, but every train needs a caboo..."

Hi Val, glad you are joining us with this Kristan Lavransdatter Buddy Read. One of the many wonderful things about this book group is that there is absolutely no pressure to read at a predetermined pace. You read at your own pace and participate when and if you want to. It is a relaxed atmosphere and the people are very friendly, supportive and encouraging. And.... I have always heard that the caboose was the most important car on the train. ;-)

I hope your book arrives soon so you can start enjoying right along with us.

[Amy]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is a bit behind. I'm in chapter 5 now, and the story is really picking up.

I have a question though. Why was Ragnfrid crying and sleeping in the loft at the end of chapter 4? This might seem like a silly question, but I reread the dinner scene twice. Was she embarrassed by the dinner conversation?

I'm loving this novel. So richly written, and so easy to escape into.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Hi Maanav, glad you are reading with us.

As for spoilers -- use spoiler tags (see the link just above right of your comment box-- some html is ok)

[Amy]

Just finished The Wreathe about five minutes ago. All I can say is "Wow!" So many emotions! What great and rich characters. I felt deeply for Lavrans and what his daughter put him through. I loved Arne and Brother Edvin. I wonder if I read this as a teenager, would I sympathize more with Kristin? I felt like everyone else in the novel, I wanted to slap some sense into her. However, it also made me reflect on my own life and bad choices I've made as far as falling for dashing, but probably not the right sort of men. It's a great view into the medieval life in Norway, yet is still relatable and universal. Excellent, I'm glad I'm on spring break so I can start the rest of this crazy journey.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Finished the first two books, The Wreath and The Wife. The last book, The Cross looks to be the longest of the three. Probably won't finish this month, but should easily do so in April.

[Bat-Cat]

Hi Kathy, you are just sailing along aren't you. I am at 48% which probably equates to about half way through the second book, The Wife. I am still loving it. My life seems to be a bit of feast and famine lately - sometimes I have lots of time to read and sometimes I have zero - but I am still quite intrigued and always ready to hear about Kristan's latest escapades. ;-) It seems she may be starting to grow up (mature) a little.

[Kathleen]

So glad to read everyone's thoughts here. I am about 3/4 through The Wreath and really enjoying it. I'm hopeful for more reading time soon, so may pick up speed. Kristin could still use a little growing up where I'm at, so I'll look forward to that!

[Julie]

I had planned on reading this through easter, but for some reason someone else decided to do the same and checked out the only copy from our local library - oh well an april read instead :-)

[Bat-Cat]

I am now at Book 2: The Wife, Part 3: Erlend Nikulausson - 51%

All I can say is WOW - this is a spectacularly, breathtakingly beautiful book!!! I am finally beginning to understand why it won the Nobel Prize.

(view spoiler)[
In all my years of reading, I have never read a more beautiful, more conscious and awe-inspiring death scene in my life. When Lavrans knew it was his time, he completed all of the dangling loose ends, all of the unresolved situations and relationships, thus allowing him to let go of his life in such a stunningly perfect and conscious manner - one that allowed all those who remained to feel completely fulfilled as well. WOW!!! I can only wish that when it is my time, I can depart from this world in such a gracious, conscious manner. WOW!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

I agree Bat-Cat. That was such a moving moment in the book.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Finished. Good read. Hope you all are enjoying it. Don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll be back to discuss a bit later.

[Kathleen]

So glad you enjoyed it, Kathy! I just finished the first book and am having to force myself to read some others before picking up book two. It has really grabbed me. I’m just fascinated with the characters and on the edge of my seat about what will happen next.

One of the things I’m really enjoying is the details about the hard work their lives require. Maybe it’s because my ancestors were farmers or something, but I love reading that kind of stuff, I'd like to think it's inspiring, but it may be just like the old saying: “I like work—I could watch it all day.” :-)

[Val]

Whew! If my house could speak, I'm sure it would be saying, "Put that book down and pick up the broom and dust cloth!" I just completed The Wreath, so I guess this is a natural stopping place. The spellbinding power of this book has won me with the word pictures of the places and the people. I have had difficulty finding admiration or respect for Erland until the final section of part 2. Can anyone else relate?

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Totally relate
Both with the unputdownability and Erlend

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Kathleen wrote: "So glad you enjoyed it, Kathy! I just finished the first book and am having to force myself to read some others before picking up book two. It has really grabbed me. I’m just fascinated with the ch..."

So true. I just gave up trying to read anything else.

[Val]

"Unputdownability"
I'm going to see if I can raise any eyebrows by inserting that word into my casual conversation today. It perfectly describes my problem with this book!

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

But when I tried to describe the book to friends, I do a boring job of it. I can't seem to find the words that can say why it is unputdownable.

[Kathleen]

I had the same problem Kathy! Even in comments here, I can't capture what it is about this book that makes it so good. Weird.

[Val]

Having just finished the final page of KL, sitting in my cozy reading spot, I am curious to know how the novel is unfolding for others. This follows on the heels of Middlemarch for me, and I cannot decide which saga I enjoyed most. This one has me dreaming wistfully to see Kristin's countryside with the magnificent fjords and mountain villages of her time. I may just sit here and daydream a bit.

[Amy]

I'm so jealous of the people that have finished! I got through The Wreathe and just got into the first few pages of The Wife. I need to get back into the groove.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I finished "The Wife" on Sunday.

My comments: (view spoiler)[
I'm really enjoying how Undsted weaves in how integrated Christianity is in everyday life in general by highlighting the spirituality or spiritual relationship with God and their spiritual struggles for characters KL, Lavrans, KL brother in law, KL friend the monk who died, Sira Eirik of KL former home parish.

To sort of get a little to question Kathy asked early on about the Church in the lives of the people of Norway, I think though Christian, their practice of the religion is infused with practicality in that they turn to women herbalist/healers when there is illness and they aren't burned as witches. Also, Sira Eirik's keeping a hearth wife, though a priest is seen through a lens of practicality in that he needs help keeping house and working his land against the Church's dictates for clerical celibacy.

Also, in the Wreath and in The Wife, I really enjoyed author's detail Ragnfrid and KL household management/activities. I love detail in HF about everyday activities--how people went about living.

For anyone in my RL who thinks me strange bec I don't have children, I would ask them to read "The Wreath" to see an example on how little return/control parents have on their ROI (return on investment.
(hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Amy wrote: "I'm so jealous of the people that have finished! I got through The Wreathe and just got into the first few pages of The Wife. I need to get back into the groove."

Take your time.

I'm a little ahead of you. I'll probably begin "The Cross" next week as I just finished Wife of Husaby on Sunday and hope to finish by the end of May.

[Kathleen]

I love what Val said about daydreaming. The first book was SO good that I'm using starting the second as a reward after getting through a few others. Should be soon--I don't want to get too far behind this group.

[Bat-Cat]

I have just started Book III: The Cross and am still loving it. It is soooooo exciting!!!

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Great to hear you are all still enjoying the book.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Well, everyone! I finished the "The Cross" in the wee hours of the morning on 5/12.

Reading a book this long in dead tree format was really hard for me, but thank heavens the book was really good and kept me turning the pages.

The main thing that I want from an author when I read HF is to be transported into the time and place of the story--time travel to the past. I'm happy to say that SUndset was successful. I feel as if I've been on a three-month trip to 14 C Norway due to Undset's lovely details/description of the life and times and the beauty of outdoor scenery.

I particularly enjoyed the detail about KLs mother, and later KL herself going about their household tasks and responsibilities.

I also enjoyed the depiction of the role of the church/religion in the daily lives of the people and personal spirituality of several of the characters: KLs spiritual struggles, her father Lavrans, her friend the monk, brother in law and the clergy going about their duties.

For everyone else who is still reading, I hope you are enjoying it.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Glad you liked it -- and I agree that the historical pieces take one back to place and time.

[Amy]

I'm at the beginning of The Wife, and it's like the book has just totally ground to a halt. Part of me is trying to push forward, but another part of me wants to just stop and put it away while I read other books I'm dying to read. Did anyone else do this, or have this problem?

[Bat-Cat]

Amy wrote: "I'm at the beginning of The Wife, and it's like the book has just totally ground to a halt. Part of me is trying to push forward, but another part of me wants to just stop and put it away while I r..."

Amy, my experience was that some parts were a bit slower going than others but... I highly recommend sticking with it because it ended up being one of the best books I have ever read - certainly in my top 10!!! Hope that helps you with your dilemma. ;-)

[Amy]

Thank you. It does. I'm doing 2 audiobooks right now, Watership Down, and An Smerican Tragedy. Listen to them at work and on daily commute, Kristin Kavransdatter is on ,y kindle and I read that before bed.