Set in 14th century Norway, the first volume of Undset's medieval trilogy begins the life story of Kristin Lavransdatter. Starting with Kristin's childhood and continuing through her romance with Erlend, a dangerously charming and impetuous man, Undset recreates the historical backdrop in vivid detail, immersing readers in the day to day life, social conventions and political undercurrents of the period. But the story she tells is a modern one, brought to life with clarity and lyrical beauty in a remarkable translation.