Saganatt

Bjorn and Rakkel are two young people who have fallen in love at first sight. They want to be together but their families’ traditions will not let them.

Those family traditions began with Sigurd. He is the tenth century warrior-king of Trollviken in Norway. He is also passionately in love with his Queen, Joftil. They are the proud parents of four children – three boys and one girl.

When King Olaf’s march to Christianize Norway comes to Trollviken, the boys must leave their home and make their way in the changing world. What they do not know is that the lives they find out in the world will have a circular effect that will doom the young lovers Bjorn and Rakkel.

This book is full of loves found and lost. We are taken on a great adventure through 10th century Scandinavia and Europe. Ms. Bouchelle shows us how the people of this time lived and loved in epic proportions. As we travel through each town and region, Ms. Bouchelle quietly interjects translations of words and traditions so it is not hard to feel part of that era.

I really enjoy this kind of historical fiction. It makes me remember that the past is not made up of events, but flesh and blood people who experienced those events. For any romantics who are history buffs out there, I recommend this book.

Reviewed by: Kathy