Giants in the Earth

An absolute classic.

This story had some interesting history in it so that's why I'm giving it 2 stars but if you're basing this book off sheer enjoyment, I give it 1 star with a side of slit my wrist long ways and jump off a cliff to rid myself of the agony of reading this book.

A beautiful and magnificent story. Rølvaag does an amazing job of dealing with the stereotype of Norwegians: good folk, down to earth, solid, dependable, clinically depressed, and emotionally clueless. He takes these standardized views of a complex population and shows them for what they are: the absolute truth. And he should know. Joking aside, he shows us a side of our humanity that is easily stereotyped in literature and makes it real and beautiful (though very, very sad).

Also, I want to grow up to be the minister. He did his job so very well.