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The Salt of Ancient Tears
THE SALT OF ANCIENT TEARS - VOLUME I OF THE LOST VIKING SAGA
in Julia, a successful lawyer, and Magnus, a talented artist, we meet two troubled souls living in present-day Oslo, haunted by dark thoughts and feelings they cannot understand—echoes of unresolved traumatic events from what seem to be former lives.
Julia takes on a risky high society lawsuit involving a powerful hotel magnate, while Magnus receives a commission to paint his portrait to commemorate the opening of his new flagship hotel. Julia and Magnus repeatedly cross each other's paths, and despite their different lifestyles, an awkward and seemingly uncomfortable relationship unfolds.
Chance encounters with an ancient Norse symbol, the Jörmungandr, lead them to Leonard, an alternative doctor with a fascination for Norse history. Using an esoteric method to evoke buried memories, Leonard helps them confront a distant and brutal past, convinced this is the key to achieving catharsis in the present.
The Salt of Ancient Tears is a sweeping, high-concept time-slip story that seamlessly blends elements of Nordic noir, suspense, and romance, weaving together modern times with the enigmatic fate of Eystribygð, the last Viking settlement in Greenland.
Rooted in historical fact, the storyline delves into one of Europe's greatest mysteries—the sudden and unexplained disappearance of the entire Norse Greenland population in the early 15th century. As a captivating subplot, the authors present a thought-provoking yet plausible theory explaining the tragic fate of this long-lost Viking settlement.
in Julia, a successful lawyer, and Magnus, a talented artist, we meet two troubled souls living in present-day Oslo, haunted by dark thoughts and feelings they cannot understand—echoes of unresolved traumatic events from what seem to be former lives.
Julia takes on a risky high society lawsuit involving a powerful hotel magnate, while Magnus receives a commission to paint his portrait to commemorate the opening of his new flagship hotel. Julia and Magnus repeatedly cross each other's paths, and despite their different lifestyles, an awkward and seemingly uncomfortable relationship unfolds.
Chance encounters with an ancient Norse symbol, the Jörmungandr, lead them to Leonard, an alternative doctor with a fascination for Norse history. Using an esoteric method to evoke buried memories, Leonard helps them confront a distant and brutal past, convinced this is the key to achieving catharsis in the present.
The Salt of Ancient Tears is a sweeping, high-concept time-slip story that seamlessly blends elements of Nordic noir, suspense, and romance, weaving together modern times with the enigmatic fate of Eystribygð, the last Viking settlement in Greenland.
Rooted in historical fact, the storyline delves into one of Europe's greatest mysteries—the sudden and unexplained disappearance of the entire Norse Greenland population in the early 15th century. As a captivating subplot, the authors present a thought-provoking yet plausible theory explaining the tragic fate of this long-lost Viking settlement.
- GenresFiction
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Brian M. Talgo
5 books15 followersAn ex-pat New Yorker, Brian M. Talgo has a long history of creative endeavors, including writing, painting, music, and photography. A first novel, The Beauregarde Affair, was published in 2011; his writing has since appeared in various anthologies published in Norway and abroad. A founding member and lyricist of the Norwegian prog-rock collective Gentle Knife, Brian now continues to work in a solo capacity composing electronic and ambient music.
Brian relocated from the US to Norway in 1981 and currently lives on the outskirts of Oslo together with his wife and son. After receiving his graduate degree in plant ecology from the University of Oslo, he has worked in various areas, including fieldwork, teaching and translation, in Vienna and Oslo. He eventually joined the University of Oslo’s central administration in 2008, where he is currently employed as an advisor.
Brian relocated from the US to Norway in 1981 and currently lives on the outskirts of Oslo together with his wife and son. After receiving his graduate degree in plant ecology from the University of Oslo, he has worked in various areas, including fieldwork, teaching and translation, in Vienna and Oslo. He eventually joined the University of Oslo’s central administration in 2008, where he is currently employed as an advisor.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 16, 2021
Tak tuhle knihu, jsem na svém seznamu, měla neuvěřitelně dlouho...no vlastně od jejího vydání. Tak dlouho mi trvalo, rozečíst ji. Příběhy s Vikingy mám moc ráda a často je upřednostňuji, před jinými knihami, ale po přečtení anotace, jsem se trochu obávala toho, jak spojení Vikingů, současnosti, akupunktury a staré tibetské techniky, může dopadnout. Už to samo o sobě, mi přišlo překombinované.
Tato kniha mě však, mile překvapila. Příběh je psaný velice čtivě, ve svižném tempu a netrpí na zdlouhavé a nudné pasáže. Je to taková pohádka pro dospělé, ve které se velice dobře podařilo propojit líbivý i když místy drsnější příběh, zasazený do doby Vikingů a děj, který ho svým způsobem zrcadlí, v současné multikulturní společnosti. Kniha je to nenáročná, odpočinková, spojující přiměřenou měrou dávku romantiky, dobrodružství, tajemna a mystiky. Trochu mi to připomnělo knihy B. Erskine, jen s o něco málo výraznou, romantickou linkou.
Tato kniha mě však, mile překvapila. Příběh je psaný velice čtivě, ve svižném tempu a netrpí na zdlouhavé a nudné pasáže. Je to taková pohádka pro dospělé, ve které se velice dobře podařilo propojit líbivý i když místy drsnější příběh, zasazený do doby Vikingů a děj, který ho svým způsobem zrcadlí, v současné multikulturní společnosti. Kniha je to nenáročná, odpočinková, spojující přiměřenou měrou dávku romantiky, dobrodružství, tajemna a mystiky. Trochu mi to připomnělo knihy B. Erskine, jen s o něco málo výraznou, romantickou linkou.
February 18, 2024
"The Salt of Ancient Tears" is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, humor, and historical intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With echoes of past lives and a gripping courtroom drama, the intertwining narratives of Julia and Magnus make for an enthralling read. The authors' exploration of the unsolved mystery of the Norse Greenland settlement adds depth and richness to the story, making it a must-read for fans of Nordic noir and historical fiction.
October 4, 2020
Helt top
May 18, 2024
A smashing read, all thanks to Smashwords "Read an ebook Week" where thousands of ebooks are offered up at discounted prices or for free for a time-limited period.
The beauty of the book is in the authenticity of the characters and the idea itself. Although it has been done before, the dual world setting, contemporary Oslo and medieval Greenland, are aptly chosen. The authors' intimate knowledge of the former is evident. Likewise it is not too much of a stretch to conjure up strong emotional and behavioural affinities between the leading characters in both time epochs.
Julia is portrayed as a strong, successful, independent woman, but somewhat detached and unhappy. Seeing her explore her own weakness and insecurity made me come to like her, to root for her, despite my innate dislike of the legal profession (my dad was a litigation lawyer).
As for Magnus, parts of him remain greyed out, but what we see is a similarly mixed bag of qualities. The dynamic between Julia and him is a slow-burner but well timed. It certainly adds to the suspense, even if it only becomes a question of when not if.
The commitment to detailing place and period is most commendable and believable, whether it be Norse Greenland, Madeira or a road leading off into the wilderness. The characters are well fleshed out, within and without. Overall, this is an outstanding book and I look forward to digesting any other writings by these two authors.
The beauty of the book is in the authenticity of the characters and the idea itself. Although it has been done before, the dual world setting, contemporary Oslo and medieval Greenland, are aptly chosen. The authors' intimate knowledge of the former is evident. Likewise it is not too much of a stretch to conjure up strong emotional and behavioural affinities between the leading characters in both time epochs.
Julia is portrayed as a strong, successful, independent woman, but somewhat detached and unhappy. Seeing her explore her own weakness and insecurity made me come to like her, to root for her, despite my innate dislike of the legal profession (my dad was a litigation lawyer).
As for Magnus, parts of him remain greyed out, but what we see is a similarly mixed bag of qualities. The dynamic between Julia and him is a slow-burner but well timed. It certainly adds to the suspense, even if it only becomes a question of when not if.
The commitment to detailing place and period is most commendable and believable, whether it be Norse Greenland, Madeira or a road leading off into the wilderness. The characters are well fleshed out, within and without. Overall, this is an outstanding book and I look forward to digesting any other writings by these two authors.
September 27, 2024
From my other non-author profile:
The beauty of the book is in the authenticity of the characters and the idea itself. Although it has been done before, the dual world setting, contemporary Oslo and medieval Greenland, are aptly chosen. The authors' intimate knowledge of the former is evident. Likewise it is not too much of a stretch to conjure up strong emotional and behavioural affinities between the leading characters in both time epochs.
Julia is portrayed as a strong, successful, independent woman, but somewhat detached and unhappy. Seeing her explore her own weakness and insecurity made me come to like her, to root for her, despite my innate dislike of the legal profession (my dad was a litigation lawyer).
As for Magnus, parts of him remain greyed out, but what we see is a similarly mixed bag of qualities. The dynamic between Julia and him is a slow-burner but well timed. It certainly adds to the suspense, even if it only becomes a question of when not if.
The commitment to detailing place and period is most commendable and believable, whether it be Norse Greenland, Madeira or a road leading off into the wilderness. The characters are well fleshed out, within and without. Overall, this is an outstanding book and I look forward to digesting any other writings by these two authors.
The beauty of the book is in the authenticity of the characters and the idea itself. Although it has been done before, the dual world setting, contemporary Oslo and medieval Greenland, are aptly chosen. The authors' intimate knowledge of the former is evident. Likewise it is not too much of a stretch to conjure up strong emotional and behavioural affinities between the leading characters in both time epochs.
Julia is portrayed as a strong, successful, independent woman, but somewhat detached and unhappy. Seeing her explore her own weakness and insecurity made me come to like her, to root for her, despite my innate dislike of the legal profession (my dad was a litigation lawyer).
As for Magnus, parts of him remain greyed out, but what we see is a similarly mixed bag of qualities. The dynamic between Julia and him is a slow-burner but well timed. It certainly adds to the suspense, even if it only becomes a question of when not if.
The commitment to detailing place and period is most commendable and believable, whether it be Norse Greenland, Madeira or a road leading off into the wilderness. The characters are well fleshed out, within and without. Overall, this is an outstanding book and I look forward to digesting any other writings by these two authors.
February 27, 2024
Gripping and atmospheric, In ”The Salt of Ancient Tears" we find Julia and Magnus, compelling protagonists, whose journey of self-discovery takes them to the heart of a centuries-old mystery. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, this novel will keep readers guessing until the very end.
In "The Salt of Ancient Tears," authors weave a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of present-day Oslo and the haunting history of the Norse Greenland settlement. Julia and Magnus's quest for justice and closure is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and readers will find themselves drawn into their world from the very first page. With its intricate plot and lyrical prose, this novel is a true masterpiece of storytelling.
In "The Salt of Ancient Tears," authors weave a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of present-day Oslo and the haunting history of the Norse Greenland settlement. Julia and Magnus's quest for justice and closure is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and readers will find themselves drawn into their world from the very first page. With its intricate plot and lyrical prose, this novel is a true masterpiece of storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews