The Fall of the House of Odel A Norwegian American Novel about Love Forgiveness Beliefs and Acceptance

The Fall of the House of Odel is the story of an American woman whose modern-day life became trapped by the centuries-old Odel Law and a contract she never signed.Mary's Norwegian husband, Aron, committed suicide in the belief that it would lessen his family's suffering. Twenty years later, Mary visits Aron's grave to say 'goodbye' and, as hands from his mother's grave reach for her ankles, she falls.Upon awakening, Mary finds herself in the afterlife, surrounded by ghosts who are sentenced accordingly for their wrongdoings. Some are awaiting forgiveness, while others are seeking revenge. After meeting Aron (who confesses his undying love for her), as well as his vengeful mother, sister, and uncle, Mary must review the consequences of Aron's suicide to find out if her unconditional love for him has survived.The Fall of the House of Odel is a continuation of Mary's story from the author, Marcia D. Kuss's first novel, The House of Odel. Though both novels tell the story of Mary's struggles with the Odel Law of Norway, The Fall of the House of Odel, directs the reader's attention to the negative effects of suicide on a family of an Odler.The House of Odel covered the period from 1950 until 2003 of Aron and Mary's lives, whereas The Fall of the House of Odel continues with Mary's story until 2020.