Catholic Readers discussion

I'm currently halfway through the stunning trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter (made up of The Garland, The Wife, and The Cross). Written by devoted Catholic, Sigrid Undset, these stories feel more 'Catholic' than almost any other piece of fiction I've read, and what I've read so far has this trilogy gunning for the top of my 'best reads ever' list.
The stories are set in 14th century Norway, and weave together all the religious, social, superstitious, and cultural aspects of that age, creating a heart-wrenching story of suffering and tribulation. I can't recommend these stories highly enough!

Has anyone else read this trilogy? What did you think of it?

I have it with me. And I have planned to start it next month. I have already read Sigrid Undset's Gunnar's Daughter. AN excellent book. But then, I have decided to read all of her works available in English.

That's funny, a friend of mine just yesterday recommended Sigrid Undset to me. I write Catholic-infused fiction and she thought I'd love these works. I can't wait to get them now that I've heard of her twice in two days!

Thomas wrote: "I'm currently halfway through the stunning trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter (made up of The Garland, The Wife, and The Cross). Written by devoted Catholic, Sigrid Undset, these stories feel more 'Cat..."

Very good book! I read the first two, formerly called "The Bridal Wreath" and "The Mistress of Husaby". I still have "The Cross" to finish. Excellent read.

Truly a great book, in every sense. Equally as good, if not better, is her The Master of Hestviken. I too enjoyed Gunnar's Daughter.

Has anyone else had trouble following this book due to the language? I am wondering if I am having trouble because of the translation.
For example it took me several minutes to figure out what was happening when the father went to be shrived. Also the book make it sound as if the priest is married. I know they are somewhat small details but I still
Find it somewhat bothersome.

I'm currently in the second book of the trilogy. It's a terrific story. I think it does a particularly good job of showing what happens when a culture becomes infused with an awareness of God.

I think it may be time for me to try these again. I know I petered out part way through the 2nd book and never completed the series.

Are they appropriate for upper elementary Catholic School?
Philip wrote: "I'm currently in the second book of the trilogy. It's a terrific story. I think it does a particularly good job of showing what happens when a culture becomes infused with an awareness of God."

Thomas wrote: "I'm currently halfway through the stunning trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter (made up of The Garland, The Wife, and The Cross). Written by devoted Catholic, Sigrid Undset, these stories feel more 'Cat..."

Are these stories appropriate for a Catholic Junior High?

Hi George

I didn't find the stories very easy to follow but then again as I've said in my previous post I wonder if my difficulty lies more with the translator then the story.

Dhanaraj wrote: "I have it with me. And I have planned to start it next month. I have already read Sigrid Undset's Gunnar's Daughter. AN excellent book. But then, I have decided to read all of her works..."

I just finished her books The Wild Orchid and The Burning Bush, both out of print but well worth finding and reading. They are meant to be read together, in that order. Wonderful.

Anne wrote: "Dhanaraj wrote: "I have it with me. And I have planned to start it next month. I have already read Sigrid Undset's Gunnar's Daughter. AN excellent book. But then, I have decided to read..."

I have all of her books in my TBR. I have almost bought whatever is translated in English and available. But I do not have the books that you mentioned with me. I will have to hunt for it. By the way I am about to finish reading The Unknown Sigrid Undset: Jenny and Other Works. A terrific book. Though it was written in her youth (when she was not yet a Catholic) still one can find the Catholic themes spread over everywhere.

Dhanaraj wrote: "Anne wrote: "Dhanaraj wrote: "I have it with me. And I have planned to start it next month. I have already read Sigrid Undset's Gunnar's Daughter. AN excellent book. But then, I have de..."

I have put The Unknown Sigrid Undset: Jenny and Other Works on my wish list. Thanks for the suggestion!

It would depend on the students, but in general I think junior high students would find it a bit of a challenging read because of the vocabulary she uses. On the other hand, the plot is really interesting, so that might carry them through.

FYI, all three of my published Catholic novels are on sale for 48 hours at Amazon for 99 cents each (Kindle edition). The prices revert to normal after Sunday. For additional information see www.callbauer.org. Be alert, the Amazon super discounts are hidden under the [X]. CatholicFiction.net has reviewed The Scholar's Challenge and declared it one of the best new books of the year.

Julian wrote: "FYI, all three of my published Catholic novels are on sale for 48 hours at Amazon for 99 cents each (Kindle edition). The prices revert to normal after Sunday. For additional information see www.ca..."

Do you have audiobooks? I've become addicted to those.