The Snake Pit: The Master of Hestviken, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are volumes 1 (1928) and 2 (1929) of the Nobel prize-winning Undset's "The Master of Hestviken" series. Set in medieval Norway, the books follow Olav and Ingunn, who, though raised as brother and sister, have become lovers in a world caught between the fading sphere of pagan worship and vendettas and the expansion of Christianity. Volumes 3 and 4 will be released in July.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Norwegian

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st Vintage Books Ed edition (November 29, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679755543
• ISBN-13: 978-0679755548
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #457,918 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The story continues, June 3, 2002

By	Gail Moore "avid reader" (vancouver canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In the second book of the Master of Hestvicken series Olav & Ingunn are home together at last on Olav's family manor at Hestvicken. Their life together is not a happy one however due to Ingunn's ill health and Olav's heavy sense of guilt.

This is a beautiful Norse saga in spite of the depression of the main characters, the attention to historical detail is wonderful. Readers of "Kristen Lavransdatter" will enjoy the chance encounter in the Snake Pit between Olav and Lavrans Bjorgulfsson and his wife Ragnfrid.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional follow-up to "The Axe", October 28, 2006

By	Valhall Horse Ranch "Nina" (few acres in BFE, Ca) - See all my reviews

At times this story is quite heavy with emotion, however the characters are so well developed, by the end of the book you feel as if they are a part of you. the authors chooses a very interesting time in Noway's history to set her story. Viking traditions now being governed by Christian ethics. Fascinating and very well written with historical accuracy.