Kristin Lavransdatter Book 1 Part 1 Chapter 1

A complete and unabridged recording of the original English translation of the great Norwegian novel Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. I have used the translation of Charles Archer and J.S. Scott, dating from 1925.
It has been superseded by a newer translation by Tina Nunnally. Many have commented that the Nunnally translation is far superior, doing away with what one person described as the 'relentlessly faux archaic manner' of the Archer/Scott version and replacing it with the 'cleanliness and simplicity' of modern English.
I beg to differ. Perhaps because I first read the older translation many times and have imbibed its moods and cadences, and most importantly, what I can only describe as its authenticity.
Yes, the Nunnally version is easier to read, but many concessions have been made for modern readers, removing much of the nuance and complexity.
I have read that Undset knew the translators and might well have influenced, or at least approved of, the way Archer and Scott worked. The mild archaisms probably had her tick of approval!
Oh, one more thing. You might have read or heard that Kristin Lavransdatter is a 'Catholic' novel. On the surface, it records and reflects the ritual, faith, values, rites, and observances of the medieval Catholic church. But if you listen closely you will soon see that Sigrid Undset had no intention of writing a 'Catholic' novel. At every turn we find those very same rituals and values being undermined - by the frequent references to the ancient pagan beliefs and by the failures of the Church hierarchy, most especially in the rigidity and lack of empathy of Erlend's priest brother Gunnulf.
But to say more would be telling!!
So, I hope you enjoy my narration of what I call the greatest novel of the 20th century!