Kristin Lavrandsdatter

Borgund Stave Church

By Sigrid Undset, trans., Tiina Nunnally, London, Penguin Books, 2005

Undset's romantic prose was, initially, a relief after reading so much Anthony Powell.  The novel follows the arch of one woman's life from childhood to her demise in the Black Death.  The strength of the novel is the author's deep knowledge of everyday life in 14th century Norway.  Her father was an anthropologist and she grew up surrounded by medieval artifacts.  I remember learning in college that European culture was the result of three factors: the Nordic/ Germanic tribes, the learning of the ancient world housed in monasteries, and Christianity.  These influences are clearly on display in Kristin Lavrandsdatter.