The Master of Hestviken

Sigrid Undset · 1882–1949 · Norway

Originally Olav Audunssøn (Norwegian)

Why it matters

Undset's other medieval epic follows Olav Audunssøn across a lifetime bound by a secret killing committed to protect a broken betrothal vow, a guilt he carries in silence for decades. Bleaker and more interior than Kristin Lavransdatter, it is her most sustained study of buried sin.

At a glance

A four-volume medieval saga demanding the same sustained commitment as Kristin Lavransdatter.