The Long Ships Review - A Viking Saga Worth Discovering

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live during the age of Vikings? To sail the seas with these fierce warriors, exploring unknown lands and braving treacherous adventures? Well, look no further than "The Long Ships" - a remarkable novel that brings this era to life.

Uncovering the Saga

"The Long Ships" is a masterpiece written by Frans G. Bengtsson. Originally published in Swedish in 1941, the novel gained immense popularity and has since captivated readers of all ages. Its enduring appeal led New York Review Classics to reissue the book, ensuring a new generation could experience the epic tale of adventure and survival.

This long-awaited reissue contains a meticulously translated and beautifully crafted English version of Bengtsson's work. The translator, Michael Meyer, successfully captures the essence and grandeur of the original text, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the Viking world.

The Long Ships (New York Review Books Classics)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1231 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages

FREE

A Journey Back in Time

From the very first page, "The Long Ships" transports you back to a time when Vikings roamed the seas. The story focuses on Red Orm, a young Danish boy who embarks on a life-changing journey after being captured by raiders. As he grows, Orm becomes a legendary warrior, participating in expeditions that take him as far as Byzantium.

What sets this novel apart is Bengtsson's ability to blend historical accuracy with captivating fiction. He paints a vivid picture of Viking culture, customs, and their fascinating way of life. Through his meticulous research, he ensures that every detail, from the Norse mythology to the intricate shipbuilding techniques, is intricately woven into the narrative.

An Epic Adventure

As Orm embarks on his adventures, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through unexplored territories, battles at sea, and encounters with various cultures. Bengtsson's storytelling prowess keeps you engaged throughout, with its mix of rousing battles, unexpected alliances, and moments of quiet reflection.

The novel also explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the complex nature of relationships. Orm's character development, from a young captive to a respected warrior, is deeply satisfying and provides a strong emotional arc.

A Timeless Classic

"The Long Ships" is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It captures the spirit of adventure and explores facets of human nature that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. The characters feel real, the settings vivid, and the storytelling impeccable.

The New York Review Classics edition of "The Long Ships" preserves the charm and authenticity of the original work. With its striking cover and the inclusion of historical notes, maps, and a glossary, this edition provides readers with a comprehensive reading experience.

If you are a fan of historical fiction or are simply looking for an enthralling adventure, "The Long Ships" is a must-read. Bengtsson's richly imagined world and compelling characters will transport you to a time long past, where Vikings ruled the seas and legends were born. So, embark on this unforgettable saga and discover why "The Long Ships" continues to captivate readers around the world.

The Long Ships (New York Review Books Classics)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1231 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages

FREE

A beloved Viking saga and masterpiece of historical fiction, The Long Ships is a high spirited adventure that stretches from Scandinavia to Spain, England, Ireland, and beyond. 

Frans Gunnar Bengtsson’s The Long Ships resurrects the fantastic world of the tenth century AD when the Vikings roamed and rampaged from the northern fastnesses of Scandinavia down to the Mediterranean. Bengtsson’s hero, Red Orm—canny, courageous, and above all lucky—is only a boy when he is abducted from his Danish home by the Vikings and made to take this place at the oars of their dragon-prowed ships. Orm is then captured by the Moors in Spain, where he is initiated into the pleasures of the senses and fights for the Caliph of Cordova. Escaping from captivity, Orm washes up in Ireland, where he marvels at those epicene creatures, the Christian monks, and from which he then moves on to play an ever more important part in the intrigues of the various Scandinavian kings and clans and dependencies. Eventually, Orm contributes to the Viking defeat of the army of the king of England and returns home an off-the-cuff Christian and a very rich man, though back on his native turf new trials and tribulations will test his cunning and determination. Packed with pitched battles and blood feuds and told throughout with wit and high spirits, Bengtsson’s book is a splendid adventure that features one of the most unexpectedly winning heroes in modern fiction.