JORVIK

by Sheelagh Kelly

Novel about Vikings in York in 11th century

Genres: Historical Fiction

454 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Sheelagh Kelly was born and continues to live in York, where most of her novels are set. The seeds of her first book, A Long Way From Heaven, were sown when she developed an interest in genealogy and decided to trace her ancestors' story.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely couldn't finish this book. I liked the characters and the setting BUT the narration was omniscient and would jump from one character to another within half a sentence, not even a paragraph to distinguish view point shift... and the dialogue was too full of "oldie worldie" speak with even the Norse using "Thee" and "Thous dost" it made it really uncomfortable and nearly intolerable when characters interacted. There was also some sex scenes that were very cliche in its tone and style.

Not sure when this was written but it's too different from historical fiction of today which is fast paced and active. This was very slow and almost passive.

[Anne Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange book. The historical detail was excellent and enjoyable. But the protagonist (can I even call him that?) was, to me, entirely irredeemable. I hated him and most of the other characters. I have never read a book before where I spent the majority of it wishing death on the main character.

The style was also unusual. I agree with Jo Hastings that in many ways it read more like a historical textbook. Yet it was oddly compelling, too, as I was often left wondering what would happen next and did want to finish it.

[Jo Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strange book, it often felt like I was reading a history text book instead of a novel but after the 1st 100 pages I got used to the style and did enjoy the story, cried at the deaths so was definitely invested in the characters.

[Linstor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally bought in error, but it kept me glued to the very end.