Vigdis la farouche

In the vein of her later works--Kristin Lavransdatter & The Master of Hestviken--& in the period of the Middle Ages, this novel of Norway & Iceland was conceived. A saga theme of love, hate & vengeance is woven into the story of Ljot, Icelander, & Vigdis, daughter of his host, whom he wooed & failed to win, & whom he took despite her father's wrath. It is a primitive tale, simpler in structure & emotions than the aforementioned novels, but there is a strength in its very simplicity that makes it stand out above her modern stories. The wave of interest in Scandinavian literature should give impetus to this, in addition to the established market Sigrid Undset has created.--Kirkus (edited)