Frans G. Bengtsson (1894–1954)

This is an epic novel. It got accolades and good reviews en mass. Written before WW2, befitting its time, the writer’s style is prosaic, sober, yet very descriptive. I did not finish the book on the first go in 2019. Now, Fall 2020 during quarantine, I finally completed this reading.
The characters are all fine including the protagonist Rode Ohrm, however, my favorites ate chieftain Krok and priest Father Willibald. Well-written, with interesting historical background events that blend perfectly with the plot, The Long Ships is a reading experience that excites like a H Rider Haggard novel with some mythical elements to spice it up.
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Hilariously acerbic this is the story of the somewhat hypochondriac Norsman and sometime viking Orm Tosteson, how he was captured and went with his captors viking along the European coast and followed a chance rescued Jew to Spain where he and a handful of crew members served on galleys and then as guards until they could head north again. Many further adventure, somewhat episodic follow though there are significant domestic interludes, often just as interesting as the adventures. This is best taken a few chapters, one or two adventures at a time, but it is quite the worthwhile journey.… (mehr)

This book was written in the 1940s in Sweden, and is considered one of the finest Swedish books ever written. It is still very popular there. It takes place around the year 1000, and is the the adventures and life of a Viking named Orm, called "Red Orm" because of his hair. He travels throughout Europe, has quests, is enslaved for a couple of years and escapes, finds a wife (and treasure), meets kings, and becomes a Christian. He settles down and has children, but still becomes involved in various adventures that take him into what is now Russia. The author writes well and creates very interesting and believable characters, both male and female (including some historical personages). I like the fact that Red Orm, despite being a Viking and going through many battles and adventures is a bit of a hypochondriac, always saying that he will die soon from a wound or injury! It is a long book (over 500 pages), but reads quickly because it is hard to put down! It reminds me of one of the classic Icelandic Sagas written around the 13th Century, which I love reading. In the 1960s, it was made into a not very good movie in Hollywood, which had almost nothing to do with the book. I recommend reading it if you get a chance, it is readily available.… (mehr)