Scan barcode
scijessreads's review against another edition
So, I actually DNF’d this one. Not because it was bad (it’s actually quite interesting and really good), but my heart wasn’t in finishing what is essentially a history book. A fascinating one, that I bought because part of my family tree is in Norway, but one that just isn’t for me now. Hopefully I can pick it back up again in the future.
godofwar's review against another edition
5.0
An insightful and moving account of one of the most interesting periods/culture in history (to me, anyway). Price paints a vivid portrait of 'Viking' society, challenging the stereotypes and common misconceptions of a people that are constantly misrepresented (as Price constantly points out.) The way he weaves together mythology and fact to create a magical account of the Vikings' journey from creation to the slow transition to a Christian society is immersive and thought-provoking, beautiful and succinct. What sets this apart from most historical accounts for me is the case Price makes for diversity and the inclusion of trans and nonbinary identities; it seems, too often, historians and such are eager to bury any evidence of LGBT identities existing in the past, and to have the possibility poised really stuck with me.
Extensively thought out, well-written and clearly stated, with the inclusion of a considerable amount of references, Children of Ash and Elm definitely stands out among the accounts of the Viking Age. Probably my favorite ARC I've received from NetGalley thus far.
Extensively thought out, well-written and clearly stated, with the inclusion of a considerable amount of references, Children of Ash and Elm definitely stands out among the accounts of the Viking Age. Probably my favorite ARC I've received from NetGalley thus far.
carrieemoran's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. As a person of proudly Swedish descent, I have recently been delving into Scandinavian history, and was so thrilled to have such a well-researched book on the Viking people. Though Vikings are the central figures, Price does a great job at delving into pre-history, and also touching on the global Viking impact. I'm not the biggest reader of history books, the dates & places & rulers type of information often bores me, but there was enough other content in this book to keep me very interested. I love the way the author weaves archeological, scientific, and literary evidence to tell a compelling story about the Viking people. He addresses everything from their belief systems to their daily life to their sea-faring expeditions. It was definitely a long book, but one that kept my interest from start to finish. If you have any interest in Viking or Scandinavian history, you will enjoy this book!
trve_zach's review against another edition
Read while on tour in Europe, and finished while in Sweden. This is an excellent overview of the so-called Viking age and is rooted in material archeology rather than myth, though it, of course, also touches on that. It feels comprehensive without being tedious. Recommended.
wolvesmom66's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5. I listened to this on audiobook and I was glad I did as I didn’t have to struggle with all the Norse pronunciations! I enjoyed this book. It was extremely well researched and did not romanticize the Vikings. At points it got a little too text book like for me and dragged a bit in those spots but overall I learned a lot and enjoyed the book.
carterike's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
4.25
An engaging and at times surprising perspective of the Scandinavian “Vikings” from the views of contemporary archeology. Considering that our understanding of the Vikings primarily stems from the Poetic Edda and Christian orthodoxy, it is not surprising how often popular culture depictions of the Scandinavians is wrong. The connection between Ragnarök and volcanic events in the 6th century that lead to a long winter in Scandinavia was the most interesting theory presented in the book. As other reviews have noted, there are times where the author fills in gaps with biases and unsubstantiated claims. Still worth a read if you are remotely interested in the Viking Age.