Heather Pringle's "The Northwomen" is a portal into the lives of women in the Viking world, a subject that has been overlooked and sometimes even deliberately obscured by male archeologists. Pringle's work is commendable for its accessible narrative and engaging approach, particularly her use of fictional vignettes at the beginning of each chapter to captivate the reader's imagination.

While Pringle is neither an archaeologist nor a Viking scholar, her interviews with experts and reliance on archaeological reports provide a comprehensive compilation of the current knowledge about Viking women. This book is tailored for the lay reader with a budding interest in Viking history and a specific curiosity about women's roles in that era.

"The Northwomen" may not be a scholarly tome that contributes new findings to academia, but it certainly succeeds in amalgamating scattered information into a single, coherent narrative. For those seeking a deeper exploration of the Viking world, I recommend "Children of Ash and Elm" by Neil Price, who is often quoted in Pringle's book.

"The Northwomen" is a reader-friendly contribution to a significant yet underrepresented part of Viking history, making it a worthy read for enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

This was an ARC review for NetGalley.

This was a major departure from the books I usually read, which are light comedy / historical fiction. But I wanted to take a chance on something completely new and unique. And this book sure is that! I've never read anything like it. It tells the fascinating history of strong women and the paths they chose with their lives. And how they affected women then and in the future, their community, and the world. I am truly so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book. It was fantastic.