ERIK THE RED

This German import traces the adventures of the Viking Erik the Red.

Following his banishment from Norway, Erik’s father relocated the family to Iceland. When he dies, his red-haired, 20-year-old son, Erik, finds himself the last of his clan. With 17-year-old Tyrkir, his family’s German-born slave, in tow, Erik sets out to find a wife. His quick marriage to 18-year-old Thjodhild, founded on exaggerated claims of his wealth, sets in motion a life of cinematic adventures. As one would expect from Viking tales, Erik’s early escapades are quick-paced, violent, and often involve avenging honor. When a fight leads to his banishment, Erik’s time away results in his founding of Greenland. Later the narration focuses on his son, Leif, who encounters a Hebridean sorceress and makes a history-changing voyage of his own. The emphasis on Leif’s conversion to Christianity and resulting clash with his father slows down the story. Tying together each episode are fascinating details of everyday Viking life and culture, including sexual mores, the treatment of slaves, and the legal and social status of women (although it unfortunately does not include an author’s note or references). A mysterious death and a fantastical curse add light intrigue while mature sexual situations make this a great crossover novel for adult readers. Originally published in 1999, the book presents the wholly ethnically Scandinavian Vikings of popular imagination.

Very Viking, indeed.