Rating: 3 1/2 stars
In the retelling of an ancient cultural story, Jeff Fanoda's Saga describes the conflict between two rival tribes in medieval Iceland. Arnkel is a strong but bitter chieftain, wanting the land and power belonging to his rival, Snorri. Arnkel is willing to win this land grab by any means necessary; the new system of Law, as well as cunning and betrayal. Along the way, several families get swept up in their struggle for power and revenge, however only one of them can rule.
Saga can be gussied up any number of ways; Icelandic words, vivid depictions of life in primitive times, tales of the Law and a belief system rooted in the praise of Odin. At the end of it all though, it is a gangster story; men seek favors from other, more powerful men in order to gain respect and honor in return, only to transform those into power. In Saga, that means land.
We do love our gangster stories, and this is a fun example. Arnkel isn’t necessarily evil, but he is ruthless, willing to use other people for his own ends because he feels cheated from his inheritance. Snorri is cunning, but he is not invincible -- his patience is an Achilles heel and one Arnkel exploits in his plan. Their struggle is an interesting dynamic to witness as the families around them try to maintain what is it theirs while staying in service to their respective chieftains.
Although this is not a new story, Janoda tells it well. He adds little character touches that helped bring me in; from the Christian trader attempting to balance his religion with those of his customers, to the women caught in these power struggles and in search of their own respect in a world that identifies them as livestock.
One point the reader may find confusing: there are too many men with Thor as part of their name; Thorlief, Thorbrand, Thorodd, Thorgils, Thorlolf. While I understand that there is historical context that Janoda wants to keep, it would havemade it far easier on this reader if he had stayed true to the spirit instead of the letter of this tale.
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Publisher: Academy Chicago Publishers (July 2008)
ISBN-10: 0897335686
ISBN-13: 978-0897335683