Teresa's Reviews > Kristin Lavransdatter
Kristin Lavransdatter
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I first read this novel thirty-seven years ago. It means more to me than I can express. My physical copy, the 1929 edition translated by Charles Archer, has its own backstory (my photo of my book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). I didn’t doubt I’d still love the novel, but I also didn’t think I’d read it again. With the opportunity of a group read led by the indomitable, indefatigable Reem (thanks, Reem!), I decided to read the newer translation by Tiina Nunnally. I understand the allure of both translations and loved my experiences with both. And while the newer one is probably more “readable” and amenable in style, there's at least one important line I came across in which I preferred the earlier translation.
This time my sympathies may have ebbed and flowed over different “minor” characters than before, though I don’t really know. I only wish I remember how I'd felt about Kristin’s mother the first time, as she has become a favorite character. Both reads gave me the same overwhelming immersive experience. As I read the beginning of one crucial scene in the last volume, the memory of my first reading of it returned to me—viscerally—as if the courtyard and its occupants were right in front of my eyes: an eerie phenomenon.
I didn’t want this tome to end. I lingered over its final pages; I was left bereft—not by the ending, but because it ended.
*
Addendum (Sept. 20, 2023): Re the 2nd sentence of my review, I ended up trying to express "it" further in an essay about a teacher, this book, and of course motherhood at Literary Mama: https://literarymama.com/articles/dep...
I first read this novel thirty-seven years ago. It means more to me than I can express. My physical copy, the 1929 edition translated by Charles Archer, has its own backstory (my photo of my book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). I didn’t doubt I’d still love the novel, but I also didn’t think I’d read it again. With the opportunity of a group read led by the indomitable, indefatigable Reem (thanks, Reem!), I decided to read the newer translation by Tiina Nunnally. I understand the allure of both translations and loved my experiences with both. And while the newer one is probably more “readable” and amenable in style, there's at least one important line I came across in which I preferred the earlier translation.
This time my sympathies may have ebbed and flowed over different “minor” characters than before, though I don’t really know. I only wish I remember how I'd felt about Kristin’s mother the first time, as she has become a favorite character. Both reads gave me the same overwhelming immersive experience. As I read the beginning of one crucial scene in the last volume, the memory of my first reading of it returned to me—viscerally—as if the courtyard and its occupants were right in front of my eyes: an eerie phenomenon.
I didn’t want this tome to end. I lingered over its final pages; I was left bereft—not by the ending, but because it ended.
*
Addendum (Sept. 20, 2023): Re the 2nd sentence of my review, I ended up trying to express "it" further in an essay about a teacher, this book, and of course motherhood at Literary Mama: https://literarymama.com/articles/dep...
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
1984
–
Finished Reading
July 15, 2008
– Shelved
( Edition)
Started Reading
( Edition)
June 28, 2022
–
Finished Reading
( Edition)
June 30, 2022
– Shelved
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Diane
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Jun 30, 2022 04:04PM
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Your review has made me realise that - not too many books do this. The ones where you live alongside the characters are something special. Good to be reminded of this.
I perfectly remember the year I first read it, because my second child was still in infancy. If I read it a 3rd time -- and I just might -- I think I'd go back to the original translation, but I'm too "old" to wait 37 more years!
Thank you, Raul. I hope you find it as immersive as I do.
It's a rare experience, isn't it, though I'm guessing I felt it more as a child. The last time I felt this way was with Constance Fenimore Woolson's East Angels.
I know it spoke to me -- or rather "read me," as an article posited about this book -- in some similar, but also many different ways, 37 years later; but then, how could it not.
Thanks, Barbara. The poor book had a bad fall while I was reading it the first time, which is part of its own backstory. :)
I don't think it matters. I read KL first and because I liked it so much, I read The Greenlanders. Most of what I remember from it is the intense cold. It's an epic, but KL is even more epic. ;)
Thank you, Jaidee!
Thanks so much, Ebba! :)
Thanks so much, Murray
That is my experience as well (most not having heard of it, that is). And it was great reading it "with" you during our Twitter (re)read, Jane.
I know exactly what you mean, Andrew -- all we can do is our best. :)
I just saw this comment today, Paul. Though I've read your review and commented there already, I just had to say your comment makes me very happy--thank you.
Thank you, Reem! Without your asking me to tell the story of how the book came to be in this condition: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3..., I would not have written the essay!
I've not seen the show, but my mother was that way and that included the friends of her children--what was one more in a family of 6 kids. ;)
Thank you for your friendship, Reem. You're the best cheerleader anyone could ever have. I'm very grateful.