Sigrid Undset on the compulsion of conversion

Converting to Catholicism is never an 'aesthetic', it's an acknowledgement of reality

Feb 22 • Danielle Coon

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Why respect flawed people?

Sigrid Undset was a bit of an irascible curmudgeon; I admire her more for it - (On Undset's flaws, personality, and courage.)

Feb 14 • Danielle Coon

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January 2026

A starter guide to reading Sigrid Undset's novels

Short breakdowns and recommendations for each of her major novels

Jan 1 • Danielle Coon

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December 2025

Kristin Lavransdatter: 'Debtors' and human brokenness exposed

Erlend and Kristin fight, Erlend leaves Jørundgaard, Simon dies, and the ultimate tragedy ensues

Dec 31, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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The Problem of Burdensome Humans in Sigrid Undset's "Ida Elisabeth"

Undset uses her common themes of motherhood and marriage to explore the question of whether we have a right to shake loose those individuals who…

Dec 2, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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November 2025

Kristin Lavransdatter: "Honor Among Kin" and truths laid bare

Kristin has to move back to Jørundgaard and she's whiny about it, Erlend is too happy and that bothers both Simon and Kristin, Simon goes through an…

Nov 5, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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September 2025

Kristin Lavransdatter: Erlend Niklausson and fickle, fickle people

Kristin and Erlend fight, Erlend has an affair, calamity ensues, and Simon is still in love with Kristin

Sep 17, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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August 2025

Kristin Lavransdatter: 'Husaby' and the frustrations of concupiscence

Kristin has a lot of babies, Erlend is a little overwhelmed with the babies, Kristin is annoyed he's overwhelmed

Aug 21, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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Kristing Lavransdatter: "The Fruit of Sin" and the nature of conversion

Kristin moves to Husaby secretly pregnant, Erlend's house is a nasty mess, and Kristin almost dies giving birth

Aug 7, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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July 2025

Sigrid Undset's Mastery of Subtext

Appreciating a single argument between lovers in Kristin Lavransdatter

Jul 6, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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June 2025

Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter: "Lavrans" and family brokenness

Kristin and Lavrans are locked in an epic battle of wills, Kristin gets pregnant, a marriage happens but it's not what Kristin expected

Jun 23, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter: "The Wreath" and morbid romanticism

Kristin gets attacked again but then rescued by a White Knight, who turns out not to be as honorable and shiny as he seemed

Jun 1, 2025 • Danielle Coon

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