Hi there, friends and happy Monday! I’m stopping in today to talk about good books and tomtes! What a combo, right?
Lately I’ve felt the pull to pick up the {{ massive }} Norwegian classic Kristin Lavransdatter. I had started it years ago, but never finished. I wanted to give it another go, and when I mentioned it on instagram the other days, many of you also said you’d like to read or, or are currently reading it, or it’s one of your absolute favorite books!
I thought it might be fun to read it and chat together about it, what do you think? I also think it’s a great inspiration for some sketching. I’ve actually done a portrait of Kristin Lavransdatter as a custom piece in the past, and many years ago I painted a Norwegian Bride– shown below:
Have you read Kristin Lavransdatter? Or would you like to? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it, it’s quite the saga. It follows the life of a 14th century Norwegian noblewoman named Kristin Lavransdatter from the age of 7 until her death. It was written in the 1920s by Norwegian author Sigrid Undset, and won her the Nobel Prize in literature. It’s supposed to be very sweeping, emotional, deep and full of the highs and lows of life. Undset was also something of a master at making Medieval Norway come to life, which is not a time or place that I’ve read much about. I am so looking forward to delving into this book, and would love for you to join me!
And speaking of wonderful things connected with Scandinavia— I have a whole new collection of House Tomtes that need new homes just listed in my Etsy Shop! They are handmade out of cotton, paint, and needle felted wool. They are very popular and tend to sell very quick, so if you’d like one– go visit the shop now! 😀
I hope you have a wonderful week, and I look forward to chatting more with you…
Take Joy!
H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
I might have to hop on this impromptu book club and finally read Kristin Lavransdatter!! I mean, the name matchiness combined with Medieval goodness…it’s right up my alley.
Welcome to the world little Tomtes!!!
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I think you absolutely should! Its got your name written all over it! lol!!
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AND she kind of becomes the town midwife and there’s herbs and those parts are especially wonderful. 🥰
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Ohhhh gosh that sounds right up my alley!
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I am unfamiliar with this book, but since I am married to a Norwegian, I guess I better learn more about the Motherland during the Middle Ages. Besides, being surrounded by many of your Tomatoes……I would hate to disappoint them or make them mad at me!! When I looked it up online, I see it is a trilogy in one big book which is handy. I remember that lovely previous painting of Kristin you did. The flower border around Kristin reminds me of Norwegian Rosemaling work which is beautiful.
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Winnie I think you absolutely NEED to read this book! Especially since the Nielsens are Norwegians! Its a sweeping, epic tale. Then we can chat about it! It’ll get you through the winter for sure 😀
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I read this years ago because it’s a good friend’s favorite book. That main character frustrated me the entire book, so I was kind of just annoyed the whole time. But I’m also glad I read it and I continue to think of parts of it, even years later! I’ve been wanting to reread it (I’ve been in a bit of a rereading frenzy 😂). 🥰
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