The Voyage of Freydis

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with this eArc copy!

As a lover of mythology and historical fiction I knew immediately I was going to like this book- and I’m pleased to say I not only liked it but I LOVED it!!

A solid 4.5 stars rounded to 5!!

I love all thing mythology, and always felt there was more to Freydis story that meets the eye (like Medusa). This author finally tells that story and gives her a voice that has been ignored for years. This was very lyrically written, I felt as if I was reading a song, and the author does a great job at recreating the past
Highly recommended, especially to those who lived Circe.

I loved this book surrounding Vikings. It was interesting to read and learning about Freydis. I love historical fiction and this book definitely peaked my interest. Anyone who loves Vikings and historical fiction definitely should pick up this bool.

What an incredible book. I love tales of the old Norsepeople but hadn't come across the story of Freydis before. Tamara Goranson has woven such an incredible tale here. There is a physical journey taken here but also a spiritual journey, of sorts, taken by Freydis as she escapes from her abusive husband and finds who she is. I have never felt so angry on behalf of how a character has been treated before, but all of Freydis' pain and shame she felt just radiated off the page, as did her hope and happiness in later parts of the book. I finished this in two sittings, I didn't want to put it down and I also didn't want it to end. I am really excited to see what Tamara Goranson writes next.

I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Tamara Goranson for providing me with an ARC of ‘The Voyage of Freydis’ in exchange for an honest review.

As a lover of mythology and historical fiction, I can honestly say that I absolutely adored this retelling of the tale of Freydís Eiríksdóttir. Not only was I immediately gripped by the blurb but the author maintained my attention throughout, taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions as Freydís attempts to find her place, and her freedom, in the magnificently well-developed world of the novel.

Reminiscent of the epics of the past, Goranson takes the reader on a journey that is fraught with danger, friendships, and unlikely allies in this wonderful and modern retelling. Ultimately Goranson gives this powerful woman a new voice that undoubtedly challenges the past portrayals of Freydís from the two Vinland Sagas and paints her in a new and brave light.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, Viking tales and mythology! I cannot wait to read the next instalment by Tamara Goranson.

This is a great historical fiction book based on the story of Freydis Eiriksdottir, daughter of Eric the Red. Interestingly enough, there is not much about her in the history books but Goranson created a fantastical read of what could have been. It's a shame that throughout history great women are not recognized as readily as the men. Maybe that's why that call it his-story. We need more she-stories out there like this one. Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, UK, One More Chapter for giving me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"The Voyage of Freydis" makes for grim reading with the abuse Freydis takes from her husband and the other things she has to deal with... but I absolutely loved it. Tamara Goranson's writing really shines here and it was a wonderful reading experience. I felt the cold, heard the wind, flinched with the blows - that takes a lot of skill. I wish the book had lasted longer, but there is definitely room for a sequel. Please!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and OneMorePage for allowing me access to an ARC of this book

I am a huge fan of mythology and retellings of myths. I loved Ursula Le Guin's Lavinia and Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad, so I was sure that I would adore this book.

AND I WAS RIGHT!!!

This was a wonderful book. I loved the way that Freydis was portrayed in this, and her character really leapt off the page, allowing you to feel everything that she was going through, making it feel all the more powerful when she finally begins to feel happier and freer towards the end.

I loved this book and would wholeheartedly recommend it to any historical or mythological fiction fans

This memorable retelling of Vinland saga challenges the past portrayals of Freydis Eirksdottir, a strong-willed woman, who defied the odds of her society.

Greenland, 996 AD. Freydis is married to an abusive Norseman named Thorvard. Shortly after, her brother Leif leaves Greenland’s shores to sail across the northern seas. During his absence, and after the death of their father, the land of Greenland is ruled by Thorvard. But the successful voyage of Leif makes him reclaim the title of his father, which only upsets Thorvard. And as much as the siblings share a deep bond, it doesn’t go deep enough when Fredyis wants to divorce her abusive husband and seeks support of her brother. It wouldn’t help Leif in his ambitious plan.

But then a couple from Iceland confirms that divorce would ruin her financially. They need a sponsor to help them out on their expedition to Vinland. They have ships, but they need a wealthy patron that could travel with them. Taking a Viking expedition would keep her safe from her husband’s fists. But can she trust Icelanders?

The heroine is a very strong woman, a fighter, and a true Viking. You can sense that the abuse of her husband steals the light out of her. She no longer laughs or takes pleasure in life’s simple moments. But her willpower continues to be strong. She doesn’t want to spin the wool and mend cloth, instead she yearns to hunt, to use her knife and peel back the fur and debone the meat, but a woman hunter is not a welcomed addition. Her tongue-lashing gets her into a group of hunters, but her skill which might be above some men’s approval makes her a bigger target and the men blame her as difficult. Her headstrong behavior and stubbornness sometimes cloud her judgement, not helping her reputation.

The plotting of a course to freedom involves outmaneuvering Thorvard, so he doesn’t seek revenge, which builds the suspense.

The atmosphere depicting the time period of ruthlessness and the place of harsh climate are very authentic. The survival during the dangerous iceberg passage, when the journey takes scary turns is very vivid. On land, you can sense the harsh climate and when the winter comes filled with blizzards blinding your path, you know that one misstep may send you on a dangerous path. A wrong move, can push you down the snowy slope where there are no bushes to break the fall and no rocks sticking out to stop sliding over the precipice, and a sharp fall might be deadly.

Freydis is a very memorable character, despite the brutality of her husband and the harsh climate; I wasn’t ready to part with her. The beautiful prose and engaging storytelling made me engrossed in Fredys’ journey thoroughly.

P.S. Kudos to cover-designers, it’s gorgeous.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com