Marta Oulie: A Novel of Betrayal

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khamneithang
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Marta Oulie: A Novel of Betrayal

Post by khamneithang »

“I have been unfaithful to my husband” is one of the most sensational and dramatic opening lines ever penned for a novel. Set in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, in 1902 Marta is a school teacher persistently courted by Otto, a partner in a business. They married and raise a family of two boys, Einar and Halfred, and a girl Ingrid. The birth of their daughter changes the equation in the family, resulting in an affair between Marta and Henrik, the business partner of Otto, and it lasts until Otto suffers from TB. Overcome by a deep feeling of guilt, Marta put an end to the affair but continues with the pregnancy, and a daughter Ase is born.

Marta Oulie: A Novel of Betrayal by Sigrid Undset, and translated from the original Norwegian by Tiina Nunnally, is a sweeping tale of infidelity, morality and belief. First published in 1907 as Fru Marta Oulie, this novel gives voice to the life of a woman from the dreamy days of her first love, to her growing frustration with her bored and restive life, her growing distance from her husband, her imprudent affair, and ultimately to her disgrace and despair.

Marta Oulie is the first novel by Sigrid Undset and enjoyed certain of degree. The novel which was first published in 1907 has much relevance in today’s complex society because fidelity and morality are still an issue, and we are still beset by double-standards. However, it has to be pointed out that Marta’s action is more about betrayal of self than anything. Feminism was considered revolutionary in those days, and over a century later the issue should have been resolved, dead and buried, and yet it is as much an issue even today and equality of the sexes is still a distant dream. Insightful and honest, Marta Oulie makes for an interesting and intriguing read.
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Latest Review: "The Unraveling of Abby Settel" by Sylvia May
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