nate_meyers's review against another edition
5.0
What a phenomenal book. I'll hold my final verdict until completing the trilogy, but it's already apparent why Sigrid Undset was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for Kristin Lavransdatter. Much ink by more knowledgeable folks than myself has been spilled on the complex exploration of Catholicism and incredibly rich nature imagery in these books. In addition to these strong suits, three other aspects of "The Wreath" that I found incredibly well-done are:
1. Besides a few good men (Lavrans, Arne, Brother Edwin) no character is what they seem. Simon is a much better man than the first impression his arrogance gives. Erlend is a much (much, much) worse man than the first impression his chivalrous rescue of Kristin gives. Fru Aashild and Ragnfrid are women with so, so many layers.
2. Kristin is a complex protagonist that learns the entirely wrong lessons from early life experiences that leads her to make foolish decisions on which she doubles, triples, and even quadruples down on. It's easy to sympathize with her early, but becomes increasingly harder to do so
3. The ending is magnificent. As noted elsewhere, each book in the trilogy ends by cutting away from Kristin to the POV of a male character that is close to her. The Wreath ends with her father Lavrans POV - showing that he is more situationally aware than the reader's been lead to believe and including a twist that provides intrigue as to how the next book will unfold
1. Besides a few good men (Lavrans, Arne, Brother Edwin) no character is what they seem. Simon is a much better man than the first impression his arrogance gives. Erlend is a much (much, much) worse man than the first impression his chivalrous rescue of Kristin gives. Fru Aashild and Ragnfrid are women with so, so many layers.
2. Kristin is a complex protagonist that learns the entirely wrong lessons from early life experiences that leads her to make foolish decisions on which she doubles, triples, and even quadruples down on. It's easy to sympathize with her early, but becomes increasingly harder to do so
3. The ending is magnificent. As noted elsewhere, each book in the trilogy ends by cutting away from Kristin to the POV of a male character that is close to her. The Wreath ends with her father Lavrans POV - showing that he is more situationally aware than the reader's been lead to believe and including a twist that provides intrigue as to how the next book will unfold
gracerowland's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jfuel's review against another edition
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Kristin’s life is a bit of a train-wreck by the end of this book.
kirstenfindlay's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
jessb127's review against another edition
4.0
Set in 14th-century Norway, Kristin is the daughter of sensible and caring parents Lavrans, a well-off farmer, and Ragnfrid. She rejects her arranged marriage to pursue love with Erlend, an older man with a scandalous past. Full of rich history, intriguing characters, and vulnerable human relationships that kept me turning pages. 4.5 stars.
This is a re-read for me, with my first read 7 years ago. I had always intended to finish the trilogy but never did. I may take a break for a week or two, but I intend to read the other two in the series this year.
This is a re-read for me, with my first read 7 years ago. I had always intended to finish the trilogy but never did. I may take a break for a week or two, but I intend to read the other two in the series this year.
mariegrim's review against another edition
4.0
Some historical novels feel like its characters are modern people set in a historical setting, while others feel like the characters are stiff, cold and without any feelings. Undset has managed to not fall into any of those traps. Her characters are filled with emotions fitting for the society they live in. As a modern reader I would get a bit annoyed with some of the shame Kristin felt, but considering the time period I could also to some extent understand her feelings.
I can easily dislike a book if the love interest is an idiot. In too many romances the love interest is an ass hole that no one in real life should need to fall in love with or share their life with, and these idiotic characters are glorified to be the dream guy (Mr. Grey anyone?). I really disliked Kristin's love interest, Erlend. However this is not a romance, and while Kristin isn't fully able to see that this guy is not someone one should choose to share life with, many of the characters around her do see it. Love is blind, and maybe particularly so when you are an unexperienced teenager. I'm interested to see how these relationships develop in the next book. Erlend was not a bad guy, but he was immature and careless.
After reading this book I also found out that some of what I learned about the plot in Norwegian class in school was actually wrong. Shame on you Norwegian education system.
I can easily dislike a book if the love interest is an idiot. In too many romances the love interest is an ass hole that no one in real life should need to fall in love with or share their life with, and these idiotic characters are glorified to be the dream guy (Mr. Grey anyone?). I really disliked Kristin's love interest, Erlend. However this is not a romance, and while Kristin isn't fully able to see that this guy is not someone one should choose to share life with, many of the characters around her do see it. Love is blind, and maybe particularly so when you are an unexperienced teenager. I'm interested to see how these relationships develop in the next book. Erlend was not a bad guy, but he was immature and careless.
After reading this book I also found out that some of what I learned about the plot in Norwegian class in school was actually wrong. Shame on you Norwegian education system.
malglories's review against another edition
3.0
there is some gorgeous writing, but i wasn't completely invested. i just don't think it fits my mood at the moment.
helenpb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0