A Viking’s Story is a privately published novel by a Wisconsin resident (under a pseudonym), available inexpensively in electronic formats only. I bought it in the first flush of Kindle enthusiasm (order a book, have it ready to read in about five seconds!), and I’m not sorry I bought it.
It’s the story of Harald Fairhair (also known as Harald Finehair), traditionally the first king of a united Norway. Andrews combines the traditional story of Harald, as recorded in the sagas, and weaves into it the findings of modern historical scholarship and archeology. The result is a generally coherent fictional memoir, as Harald himself dictates his life story to an English priest never mentioned in the actual historical record.
The result hangs together pretty well. I think this book would be a good introduction to the Viking Age for a general reader looking to learn more about that period. In my opinion, the author underestimates the superstition of a real Viking. Also, he falls into the rookie error of trying to convey emotion with exclamation points! But these are minor errors, and all in all the book was enjoyable.
The issue of Christianity does come up, and I have to give Andrews credit for evenhandedness in that department. The priest/amanuensis, to the extent that we come to know him, is relatively tolerant and reasonable. Harald himself, of course, scorns the religion (though he does admire its bureaucracy), which is entirely consistent with what we know of him.
A Viking’s Story is not a great Viking novel, but it’s pretty good, and has the special advantage of copious and up-to-date research (mostly. I found some things to quibble about, but I could be wrong about some of them myself).
Suitable for teens and up.
Do I get the impression that Vikings are “in” lately?
Only on this blog, as far as I know.
Did the Vikings of old always fail to win the big one, losing the equivalent of four super bowls during their heyday?
That makes me wonder if we shouldn’t be offended with a sports team that claims our ethnic heritage. We have a great controversy in my region over a university who’s sports moniker honors an ethnic group that the NCAA has declared to be unworthy of honor nor emulation by college athletic programs. There may be only one group left that the politically correct crowd considers worthy of honor and emulation – The Diversity Facilitators. A sports team named after them would strike fear into all opponents. Go Fighting Facilitators!
I got the impression that Vikings were in from “How To Train Your Dragon” and one or two other things that slip my mind at the moment.
How about The Diversity Facilitators vs. The Community Organizers?
Thanks for the review, Lars; if I get a Kindle, I’ll probably buy the book.
@ Michael: I’m afraid. Very afraid.
Thanks for your kind review, Lars. I am, in fact a rookie, and this is the first time I’ve published to Kindle which did some odd things to the format. I keep trying to sort that out.