Becky Bookworm Book Review: The Longships: A Saga of the Viking Age by Frans G. Bengtsson



This saga brings alive the world of the 10th century AD when the Vikings raided the coasts of England.

Acclaimed as one of the best historical novels ever written, this engaging saga of Viking adventure in 10th century northern Europe has a very appealing young hero, Orm Tostesson, whose story we follow from inexperienced youth to adventurous old age, through slavery and adventure to a royal marriage and the search for great treasure. Viking expeditions take him to lands as far apart as England, Moorish Spain, Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia), and the long road to Miklagard. The salt-sea spray, the swaying deck awash in slippery blood are the backdrop to fascinating stories of King Harald Blue Tooth, the Jomsvikings, attempts to convert the Northmen to Christianity, and much else. Like H. Rider Haggard, Bengtsson is a master of the epic form.


My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A historical novel written in the very narrative style of Icelandic Sagas and is one hell of a long saga... It is in a style very unlike that of contemporary historical fiction. There is no fast pace, there is no immediate drama and build up. It's one long telling of one man's life and journeys from Scandinavia and back again, and is very much in the same almost trudging tone as the Icelandic Sagas. Not for the fainthearted if you want to read it but is a unique Norse experience and point of view.

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