Sword Song

Description

Sword Song is the story of Viking lad Bjarni Sigurdson, cast out of the settlement for accidentally drowning a Christian holy man and left to make his way in a world of war. Bjarni did not mean to drown the monk. He held him underwater to teach him that it was a bad idea to kick Bjarni’s dog. The monk died, and the chief of the settlement sent Bjarni away for five years.

Rosemary Sutcliff wonderfully describes the Viking world and Bjarni’s journey through it. The reader feels Bjarni’s determination and the sights and sounds of the Viking settlements as well.

This may be best suited for more mature readers, but adolescents, especially boys, will likely identify with the protagonist, whose hot temper is his worst enemy. Fans of Viking lore will not be disappointed.

Sutcliff ‘s careful handling of how a young man, influenced by hero-worship and the force of custom, deals with the difficult choices that lead to maturity is nothing short of masterly. An unexpected and most welcome gift” —The Horn Book