First published in 1921, “The Wife” is the second book in the “Kristin Lavransdatter” trilogy by Sigrid Undset, the Norwegian author and winner of the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature. Undset’s award was primarily based on this series, which depicts the life of Norwegian woman from her childhood to her death in the 14th century. The first book in the series, “The Wreath”, follows the young Kristin as she clashes with her family, who are religious and prosperous farmers, while she falls in love with, and eventually marries, a man that her parents do not approve of. In “The Wife,”, Kristin finally faces adult responsibilities and concerns as she makes a life with her husband. She atones for the sins of her youth and rises to the challenges of raising a large family and running an estate while married to an irresponsible and impulsive man. Kristin’s love and loyalty for her foolish husband is greatly tested and she learns the hard way what challenges await her and what sacrifices will be required of her. “The Wife” is a riveting and satisfying portrayal of a woman coming into her own as well as a fascinating glimpse into a long since past medieval world. This edition follows the translation of Charles Archer.
