As a huge fan of Kristin Lavransdatter, I was pleased to find this new translation of another of Undset's books. It was a pleasure to return to the medieval times in Norway, to the hard-wrung survival of the stories.

I received the second volume of Olav Audunssøn as part of a NetGalley giveaway.

Olav Audunssøn has everything he thought he'd ever wanted: he has control of his family estate, Hestviken, and Ingunn, the foster-sister-turned-bride whose legitimacy he'd fought so hard for, is by his side. Yet their life together is plagued by sadness: Eirik, the illegitimate child Ingunn gave up, is living far from his mother, Olav and Ingunn's own attempts to bear a healthy child are unsuccessful and lead to her prolonged illness, and Olav is widely distrusted by the larger community. Olav attempts to make amends for his past sins, convinced that doing so is the only way to peace, but finds it difficult, and with his wife--the only person to whom he'd ever felt a meaningful connection--weak and ailing, his isolation and despair grows to terrifying new heights.

After reading the first volume, it was nice to continue Olav and Ingunn's story, though this volume is rather dark (and the first isn't a walk in the park). It's a beautifully written, complicated relationship--their bond forged in childhood, the mixed feelings they both feel about the other and their union, and the tragedies that continue to befall them--all making for a tragic but moving tale. We left Olav in a rather dark place, literally and figuratively, and I'm interested to see where life takes him.

Brilliant. Compelling. Brilliant plotting and characterisation.

For an Undset, this is a 3.5. For a book in the context of every other author, it’s a 5. She is SO good about connecting a person’s inner world to their actions, and despite the plot being slow… I can’t deny that that’s the kind of book I absolutely adore.

I loved the first book, about Olav and Ingunn, two young lovers separated by fate and their own precipitous actions. It also made medieval Norway seem so alive. This book, however, deals with the regrets they have, especially Olav's, once they begin their lives together. We're in Olav's head so much that it's a bit tedious. We're also in Ingunn's mind and some of the other characters, but it's mostly Olav. And he is always trying to do right by his wife and his church, but they conflict.

For people who like to read about with the Christian (Catholic? It takes place before the Reformation...) concepts of sin, confession, and repentance, this is the book for you. Not as much for me. I am still invested in some of the characters from the first book, though, that I'll read part III when it comes out with Nunnally's translation.

This second installment of Undset's Master of Hestviken series is equally as well done as the first, continuing the story of Olav Audonsson and his wife Ingunn in medieval Norway.

Review to follow.

Masterful descriptions of 13th century Nordic life. The protagonist's struggle with his sense of guilt and desire for redemption are well done. But again the main characters' lack of growth and inability to communicate are somewhat aggravating.

It's been 3 years since I read the first installment of Undset's Olav tetralogy. Here, Olav and Ingunn start their life as a properly married couple in 14th century Norway, but all their doubts and pains are still grounded in the events from the first book. A little summary at the beginning could have been good :)

Undset's writing still has this calming quality on me, the way she has her protagonists battle their inner turmoil while observing the nature around them. The wild sea beating at the cliff, the sweet sickly smell of willow tree flowers, the harsh nature of the Norwegian winter. Amidst it all questions of sin and guilt, of God's punishment, of the local customs at the time of paying retributions for your sins, of gossip and human nature.

I enjoyed this more than the first part, there was a smoother flow to the narration I felt, which kept me invested in the characters. Even though there was too much misery by the end.

4.5 stars
It is difficult to comment on this second of the four Olav Audunsson novels without giving spoilers, and the work is so eventful and emotional that spoiling a clean read would be criminal. While equally engaging, Providence is quite different from book 1: There is less chaos created by external conflict and the consequential changes in locations, but much more domestic drama.
A couple points of criticism: some of the physical descriptions of the women are fairly harsh. I’m not sure if this is from the culture, the time period, or both. Also, the ending drags out a bit. Still, I am absolutely lost in Olav’s world and look forward to Book 3.
Thank you to the estate of Sigrid Undset, University of Minnesota Press, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh man, this story is heavy. There is not a happy moment in it. But I am still struck by how powerful both the characters and situations are. The family in this book has some big problems, but their struggles and attempts at love are moving. And I still love the Christian themes throughout--although these people have a warped relationship with penance and honor. But that's medieval Norway for you. I definitely want to read the next two volumes, but maybe when winter is over . . .

Enjoyed the second volume much more than the first. I wish these books came published as one volume like Kristin Lavransdatter. I’m tempted to view the volumes as separate stories when they’re published separately. But it’s obvious Undset has a rich theological understanding of maleness and femaleness, and how the grace of Jesus pertains to both. She may be my favorite author now? Anyhow, I love these books and highly recommend them!!