I apologize profoundly for how late I am with this first discussion post. I planned my reading very poorly and found myself way behind. For the second leg of our reading, I will try to stay better on track. Thank you for bearing with me!
I'll admit I was worried that this novel might be dry...boring...though I had been told by my good friend Lucy that it was an excellent read. She was not wrong (not that I ever doubted her). I have thoroughly enjoyed our first section, The Bridal Wreath (The Wreath).
First, a quick question on what version you are reading? My edition, as mentioned in the announcement post, is Abacus (January 1, 1995) - Paperback, 1072 pages. This is a republish of the original translation by Charles Archer and J.S. Scott. This translation was criticized for its use of archaic language (reflecting the novel's 14th century setting) and also for expurgations, as some scenes, particularly sexually explicit ones, had been omitted or edited. Apparently, the newer Penguin Classics translation by Tina Nunnally has been praised for its clarity and does not make the expurgations as in the earlier translation. (Source)
Personally, I'm not having a problem with the language in my edition. I have read historical fiction extensively, and many classics which use archaic language, so that has not been a deal breaker for me. I'm also not upset about the purged sexually explicit scenes. It's easy enough to put two and two together without having it described explicitly. If you are reading the newer translation, let me know your thoughts.
I first want to briefly touch on Lady Aashild. When she is called upon to help heal Ulvhild, we learn that she has been rumored to be a witch. The age old suspicion when a woman knows about healing...well, she must be a witch. I liked Lady Aashild and her being sort of a mentor to Kristin.
I have never been fond of the tradition of arranged marriages. It was obvious that Kristin was not thrilled with the idea of Simon as her betrothed. At that point, I think her father's happiness was utmost in her mind. When she learns that Arne truly loved her and would have had her to wife (barred by their social standing it seemed), and then the dreadful experience with Bentein, I think she truly starts to consider herself and her own feelings. Then we know she is having serious doubts about the bethrothal. Though she is clearly devastated by Arne's death, I think her desire to go to the nunnery for a year was also a way for her to delay the marriage and perhaps figure a way out of it...though I don't think she quite anticipated it happening the way it did.
Finally Kristin's father agrees to the marriage, though begrudgingly, and the preparations begin. Then...Kristin is pregnant?! Another nail biting part where I kept waiting for someone to notice and bring about yet another scandal. All the while, I can't help but notice how Erlend just does not take anything very seriously. But then, the wedding is done. Phew! In the final scene between Lavrans and Ragnfrid, we find out that Ragnfrid was also not a maid when she married Lavrans. I wondered why Ragnfrid, who always seemed the more strict parent toward Kristin, was not as mad and was more understanding of Kristin's situation than her father. Now we know why.
My final thoughts: I feel like Undset's depiction of the consequences of adultery rang true to me. That it happened more frequently than is normally depicted in classic novels is my conclusion. When we talk of "love at first sight" maybe that should be more like "love at first attraction." Kristin was attracted to the chivalry and perhaps the excitement of their "courtship" though she also had trouble reconciling that with her religious beliefs and feelings of being sinful. I think she is going to find that Erlend is not quite all he seemed to be at first sight. Sadly, such is the way of many relationships as time wears on.
Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on May 31 with the discussion post on our next section, The Mistress of Husaby (or The Wife).
