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dreamwalker22's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kleonard's review against another edition
2.0
After reading the translator's outstanding introduction to this I thought I'd be in for a treat, but alas the repetition and unending grinding of slow-moving plot points and relationships didn't keep my attention.
margardenlady's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
3.5
Romeo and Juliet have no problems compared with star crossed lovers Olav and Ingunn. In hearing their story, we are also invited into a glimpse of 14th century feudal life in Norway. The language took a bit to get used to, having been written early in the 20th century, but the story had every bit as much drama as a modern soap opera.
enigmadame's review against another edition
The holds came in from the library and I realized I had never really cared what happened to the characters. Seems like a good one to put down and try again later. Maybe.
serinde4books's review against another edition
3.0
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
I was really worried when I first got this book because it was a translation and sometimes those don’t transfer over well, some of the elements of the storytelling are lost. However, the translator did an amazing job and the lyricalness of the story was still there. That is why this is getting a three star. The story itself drove me crazy. It was so slow and I felt like there was very little movement for the characters, it covered a 20 year period I think. I felt like there was really no action. Also dealing with the sentiments and morality of the 12th century drove me crazy, these people need to learn to talk to each other. I think that if I was basing it on the story alone this would be a one star read. But it was beautifully and well written I can understand why the original author won a Nobel prize. Then on top of it all it ends on a cliffhanger, and I don’t know if any further books will be translated.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
I was really worried when I first got this book because it was a translation and sometimes those don’t transfer over well, some of the elements of the storytelling are lost. However, the translator did an amazing job and the lyricalness of the story was still there. That is why this is getting a three star. The story itself drove me crazy. It was so slow and I felt like there was very little movement for the characters, it covered a 20 year period I think. I felt like there was really no action. Also dealing with the sentiments and morality of the 12th century drove me crazy, these people need to learn to talk to each other. I think that if I was basing it on the story alone this would be a one star read. But it was beautifully and well written I can understand why the original author won a Nobel prize. Then on top of it all it ends on a cliffhanger, and I don’t know if any further books will be translated.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
kiriamarin's review against another edition
4.0
Finally I read this New transleted version of a less know work of Sigrid undset . Set again in Medieval Norway, about two young people trapped in a world of social hierarchy, tradition and costumes injustiça and violence,their blood laws,rites of transition to adulthood,marriage,honor,vows and death. INGUNN AND OLAV are children who carries all that weight ,destroying their pueril love and future happiness. Undset describe this emotional rollercosters beautifully and relatable to the reader of XXI century. She merges all her knowledge in history,archeology and deep human psychology to create interesting and real characters.
I'M A ferverous admirer of Undset's work and style, she is a Master of telling about the complexity of mind and soul of men and women whatever the age or century/place they born.
I can see easily the characters of this book set in a modern times.This is a re-read to me and now I can appreciate much more and eager to read the next book,even if promise more misery and sad feelings for the destinies of Olav and Ingunn .
"But the human heart never changes as times go by.”
I'M A ferverous admirer of Undset's work and style, she is a Master of telling about the complexity of mind and soul of men and women whatever the age or century/place they born.
I can see easily the characters of this book set in a modern times.This is a re-read to me and now I can appreciate much more and eager to read the next book,even if promise more misery and sad feelings for the destinies of Olav and Ingunn .
"But the human heart never changes as times go by.”
fallona's review against another edition
3.0
I suspect that a different translation would have made this book much more enjoyable.
blacklake's review against another edition
3.0
A wonderfully detailed and interesting book, but the more times I read it, the harder I find it to put up with the lack of a sense of humor. And all the lip-curling. :)
srm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's a slow build, this story of Olav and Ingunn in 13th century Norway, betrothed since childhood, yet with so many obstacles in their way. But by the end, I was getting through this much faster and definitely ended eager for the next volume.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Infidelity, Murder, Pregnancy, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcohol, Dementia, Medical content, and Sexual content
faeden's review against another edition
3.0
I choose to read a wide variety of books: different genres, and written in different time periods. I want to read books written long ago, but, as happens so often nowadays, I found the way women are talked about disturbing. Olav clearly loves Ingunn deeply, so some of the things he says about her are disquieting. I force myself to put that aside though. While I wasn't drawn in too deeply, I am intrigued enough to want to read the next in the series. I also want to give the Kristin Lavransdatter series a go.