Well, despite the fact that this is one of my favorite books of all time, it was not a big hit for our group. In fact most of us didn't even finish it, or were having a hard time slogging through. This novel, which has never been out of print since it was published in 1927 failed to capture the imagination even of devoted historic fiction fans in the group.
The culprit keeping enthusiasm at bay was primarily the stilted, dated language, translated from Norwegian by Charles Archer in the 20's. While there are those (count me in) who think this evokes the time and place as well as the rhythm of the original Norse, it could be stiff and wordy. Evidently, there is a new translation, done in the late 90's that is more lyrical and natural sounding. The majority of us read the old translation.
And why, oh why do I love it when no one else did? Maybe it was the main character, Kristin and the way Unset uses her to unveil the history, society and legal structure of the region. All through the novel Undset puts her in situations new to her, but common to her people, so through her experiencing and learning each new step of her life, we can all learn along with her. It doesn't get much better for a historical novel in my opinion. There is no stopping the story to explain the customs of the times - they are unfurled to us as they are to Kristin as she matures from a little seven year old girl to a wife and mother.
Because of this narrative structure, the footnotes were so interesting, so well explained that they really added to the story. After reading this, much of the current culture of Scandinavia made more sense to me, especially the relatively more equal footing of women in today's culture. Women inherited property, which remained their own in the 14th century - in England, that took until the 19th century. Is it any wonder things are different?
As well, her story was one of the ages. The beautiful, much loved, willful daughter of an influential man choses the wrong person to love and pays the price. Is that not the stuff of many a wonderful story? And I really loved Kristin, for all her bad choices and firm determinations, and for the richness of her story. Ok, so I was the only one who felt that way.
On to our next meeting, which is our annual Christmas Book Yankee Swap. For those who are new to the process, or who need a refresher, here is the way it works. Each of us brings a book to go under the tree that you want others to read. Include a card about why you picked that book, but don't sign it! We want no undue influence in selection! We will all get a number at the beginning of the evening. Lucky number 1 selects a book first and opens it. Number 2 goes next and so on. Each person can decide to keep her choice, or swap for any of the books opened so far. Why is number 1 lucky? Because she gets the final choice of all the books!
We have no book to read for December since we will be otherwise engaged, but January is Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Start now, the print is small and the pages numerous.
We will meet at my house on December 12 at 6:30, 1137 Manakin Rd. Let me know if you need directions, see you all there then!
