This is a remarkable book as one would expect from a Nobel prize winner (albeit one I had never heard of before). The best way I can describe the feeling I am left with is to quote Blake's poem The Sick Rose
O Rose thou art sick.
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night
In the howling storm:

Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy:
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.

Set against the background of upheaval in 13th century Norway this is the story of two young people, betrothed at an early age, whose lives and love are blighted by the tensions between family, Christianity and traditional Norse beliefs and customs. The two central characters both commit acts - more pushed into these than by choice - which resonate throughout the rest of their lives. The sick worm is the guilt that they both carry with them as a result.

This makes it all sound rather bleak, which it isn't. The evocation of Norway's past is wonderful as are the descriptions of nature. Highly recommended.

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.