An astonishingly mature and sympathetic exposition of the way in which the (unforgiven) sins of the fathers find their way into a second and third generation. Undset has all of Hugo's knack for the particular and historical elements of human existence, and all of Dostoevsky's sense for the universal and spiritual; all of Dostoevsky's sensitivity to the depravity of man's nature and its need for mercy, combined with all Hugo's confidence that providence works through and not only in spite of that brokenness. Undset is an absolute master of the human spirit.

Sigrid Undset is a master and poet, well deserving of her status as perhaps the greatest Norwegian author ever. Thanks to the brilliance of Tiina Nunnally's translation, English readers can share in the last of the Olav Audonnson tetralogy.

I read this under the name “Olav Audunsson: IV Winter” translated by Tiina Nunnally, and the rest of the series with the same translator.

The conclusion of THE MASTER of HESTVIKEN is satisfying, although the decisions of the generations lead them into similar outcomes in their quest to live within the limitations of their own skin. The thread of drama woven throughout all four volumes is Auden Audensson, The Master of Hestiviken's, struggle to reconcile the tug o' war going on his heart and soul over his allegiance to and responsibility towards the child of his wife, of whom he is not the father, the son who is both like his father (heredity) and the father who claims him as his own (environment). Both are characters who attract and repel. Their struggle becomes the reader's struggle. Reading the four volumes of the HESTVIKEN saga, as challenging as it is to read, has been one of the satisfying reading experiences I ever had.

Winter is a powerful conclusion to this series, following the lives of Olav and Eirik over paths of guilt and ultimately grace. I look forward to rereading the whole tetralogy.

I thought the middle books bogged down but the last book was fantastic.

3.5 these were a tough read. A solid challenge. Not much historical fiction from this era and location and I appreciated that. The sense of duty and roles seemed very well researched. What a hard life to live.

I loved the whole series. LOVED.

The Master of Hestviken series is a bit more repetitive and, in places, tedious than Unset's Kristin series, but still a masterpiece by any measure. It is Greek tragedy comes to Norway. Don't expect it to put you in a good mood, but you will be enriched. I've read both series twice and could easily start all over again. BUT...if I ever do, I'll definitely be making a family tree chart for myself in order to keep track of how everyone is related to one another. Everyone seems to be a cousin or an uncle. It gets complicated. Worth the effort.

One of the best books I have ever read. Eirik and Olav will stay with me for the rest of my life.

While not as popular as her medieval Norse saga Kristen Lavransdatter, The Master of Hestviken is a must read for Catholics interested in medieval Norwegian history. Themes touching on everyday Catholic medieval life run throughout the series. It is one of my favorites by Undset and one I will read again and again.