A review by vgrande
Kristin Lavransdatter, I: The Wreath by Sigrid Undset

5.0

This is another book that I have been trying to read for awhile. I find that with most older books I have a hard time getting into them at first, and then by chapter four I’m hooked. I have re-read the first chapter of The Wreath (the first volume of the trilogy) many times over the past year and a half. However, this time I forced myself past that and by chapter four, I was immersed in medieval Norway and the life of Kristin. While the Church plays a significant role (it is the Middle Ages after all), the main character is a sinner who refuses to repent and instead continues to embrace her initial decisions, even as they lead her into more sin. There was a line that really spoke to me, where Kristin talks about how she feels as if she is no longer a part of the community that is the Church, her sin has separated her from God. Kristin as a young woman is a foil to the Kristin of the first couple chapters who did not understand the nature of temptation and sin, but soon found herself opposing both natural and moral law. She is forced to confront and deal with the repercussions of her actions, particularly of the sin that so altered her life initially. It is a reminder to all of us that sin has consequence - and these are consequences that we are bound to face once we make our decision.