Not an easy read, but ultimately worthwhile with the seemingly accurate depictions of life in 13th century Norway. I enjoyed reading it- it got easier as it went on.

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It had a very slow start with all the foreign names of people and places (like their home in Jorundgaard). But once her father (Lavrans) is gored by the bull when her sister (Ulvhild) falls to a terrible injury ... then the story really picks up and I didn't want to lay it down or stop reading. Her father betroths Kristin to Simon through a formal agreement with his father. Two boys (Arne and Bentein) fight over Kristin and almost dishonor her in the eyes of the entire village. But then Erlend and Kristin fall in love and what should she do about her father's honor and the betrothal agreement. There's so much about honor in this 14th century setting. Even her mother, Ragnfrid has a deep hidden secret that isn't revealed until the end.

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I first read this book as a high school student in the 1950's and never forgot it. When I came across a copy of it recently I was very drawn to it and knew I would enjoy reading it again all these years later. It is a fascinating look at medieval Norway and the details and notes reflect the enormous amount of research which went into the writing. Aside from the historical significance, Kristin is a character readers will find themselves attracted to as the book details her growing up years. I am intent on reading the rest of the books written about Kristin's life.

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This heroine reminds me a lot of Scarlett O'Hara in her selfishness and obsessions with the wrong men. But of course, she's in Norway in the Middle Ages, instead of America during the civil war. The writing and story is captivating, and the glimpses of medieval life are equally fascinating. Although the story is mainly about Kristin, I loved the occasional scenes of the other significant people in the story- all the characters are compelling in their own right. I'm definitely planning on reading the other two books in the trilogy.

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Undset is a Norwegian novelist since 1927. Its a story of a woman's life in the 14th century in Norway . The Bridal Wreath describes a stormy romance of a young man perhaps overly fond of women, of whom her father strongly disapproves.

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Millions of readers have been enthralled by the romantic saga of the spirited, unconquerable Kristin Lavransdatter, one of the most unforgettable heroines in modern fiction. Hers is a great story of a woman's passion, sin and nobility - set against the color, the earthiness and the violence of medieval Norway.
PART ONE: THE BRIDAL WREATH - A novel of passion. Sin and innocence, desire and dignity collide early in Kristin's life - as she is forced to choose between her proud father's honor and her own loyalty to a dangerous love.

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