Monday, 24 December 2012
Finn's Fate by Michael Wills
Finn's Fate is the story of three brothers who, when their homestead is burned, set out on a journey to the land of the Danes in search of adventure and a better life. I enjoyed the fact that we are seeing this part of history from the Viking point of view as we are used to the stereotype of an invading force interested only in rape and pillage. There is, of course a certain amount of violence but Finn and his brothers are very human and we grow to know and like them. The novel is very well researched and detailed. Maybe at times there is too much detail. I did find that in places I was so bogged down with the intricate minutae of shipbuilding or working in a forge that, though interesting it read more like a history book. I found myself skipping through sections to find out what happened next. That said, the story is compelling and the characters are well drawn. I especially liked the fact that the ending is quite unexpected. Finn's fate therefore, ticked both the boxes for a historical novel. It told a good story and left me better informed.
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