Gone Viking: A Travel Saga

by Bill Arnott

Bill Arnott guides readers on this bestselling literary odyssey, following history’s most feared and misunderstood voyageurs - the Vikings!

To “go viking” is to embark on an epic journey. For eight years Bill Arnott journeyed throughout the northern hemisphere, discovering sites Scandinavian explorers raided, traded, and settled – finding Viking history in a wider swath of the planet than most anthropologists and historians ever imagined.

With a small pack and weatherproof journal, Bill explores and writes with a journalist’s eye, songwriter’s prose, poet’s perspective, and a comedian’s take on everything else. Prepare yourself for an armchair adventure like no other!

From Europe to Asia, the Mediterranean to the British Isles, Scandinavia to Iceland, Greenland, and the New World, with excursions around Thor Heyerdahl’s Pacific, Roald Amundsen’s Arctic and Olaf Crowbone’s stormy North Atlantic, Bill takes readers on a mythic personal adventure in real time – a present-day Viking quest.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Scandinavian Literature, History, Memoir

372 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of A Perfect Day for a Walk, A Perfect Day for a Walk by the Water, A Season in the Okanagan, A Season on Vancouver Island, A Festive Season on Vancouver Island, and the award-winning Gone Viking travelogues. For his expeditions he’s received Fellowships at Britain’s Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Bill's a Travel Ambassador for Canadian Geographic and Adventure Canada, contributing writer for newspapers and magazines, and is a frequent presenter for universities, podcasts, TV, and radio. When not trekking with a small pack and journal, Bill can be found on Canada’s West Coast, where he lives near the sea on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh land.

Reviews

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Arnott is a superb writer. This travel guide is both tremendously immersive and comical (in a good/refreshing way). His years of travelling really paid off. I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
* I realize this is not a History book and that’s ok. I discovered many moot facts throughout the journey. But the Viking Age is a nebulous time and I’m not a pundit. 4.5 ⭐️

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than just a travel memoir – it’s a spectacular journey across the globe! Scenery is described so vividly you’ll forget you’re at home. It is fun, humorous, heartfelt and an excellent read!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone Viking is a profoundly resonant story that embraces the nuances of life, a depth of alchemy in a rich, tangible tapestry, so that the reader is one with the emotions of the writer. As a prose poetry novelist, I was beautifully at home in Arnott’s gentle, rhythmic style. “Each stroke of oar swirls water into quotes, grasping at a poem, the reach and pull a heartbeat,” he suggests in the opening. Arnott is a master of the little things, the poetry of being, “Laundry tumbles, food sizzles and I enjoy a mental caesura…a rest from vacation…committing to downtime on the island of Mull.” (p. 128) He lives by example, honouring serenity even on holiday adventuring, inviting readers to be fully present to each moment and place from Iceland to Haida Gwaii. In the chapter “Pacific,” he takes readers all the way into his senses so that we’re right there with him on the far Pacific islands of North America, absorbing “…a three-hundred-year-old spruce with needles entirely gold in colour,” (p. 149) then “…lulled by the sound of waves caressing sand…medicinal, healing.” (p. 157) The writing is a sensory delight, a stunning portrayal of unique experiences that gets right inside the reader. A hero’s journey for the twenty-first century humanist, Gone Viking will be on my reading list again and again.

[Bill Arnott · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Whistler Independent Book Awards 2019 Finalist*
“This is definitely one of the best reads of the year.” - Candice James, Silver Bow Press
“A fantastic read!” - Michael Seidelman, author of The Garden of Syn Trilogy
“Fasten your seatbelts. Gone Viking has a glorious romp in store for you.” - P. W. Bridgman, author of A Lamb
“A fascinating travelogue! Bill Arnott’s lyrical language, informative and funny anecdotes take the reader on an unforgettable journey.” - Annette LeBox, award-winning author of Peace is an Offering
“This is a writer who engages and entertains at every point along the way.” - Adrienne Drobnies, author of Salt and Ash
"A delight to read." - Gray Lightfoot, author of A View from a Cab and the Humphrey Boggart mysteries

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author started off on a wonderful journey to follow many of the Viking voyages and places. Ireland, Britain, Iceland, even the Mediterranean and culminating in Greenland toward the end. I love travel stories that take readers to exceptionally unique places with different perspectives.

Bill Arnott's perspective is a unique one with several very witty and humorous pop-culture references to music, movies, and TV shows. His attention to details and what readers would want to read and learn about. I also loved the great inclusion of Norse historical figures and conquerors as well other significant figures that people might recognize if they have watched Vikings on the History Channel or Netflix's new series.

Honestly, this should have been a 5 star book, but then, toward the end, I felt it simply losing focus and meandering. I think the last 30 pages took me nearly 10 days to read because I was getting bored. But the rest of the book is a solid travel tale.

[Diana Stevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not everyone who can live out their dream. But Bill Arnott, does by embarking on a journey to discover the life of the seafaring Vikings. As a child, Bill was fascinated by their stories. I was similarly fascinated by the details of his journey, as he traced their steps in Gone Viking. I wanted to grab an atlas and follow along.

Not only does the author provide a detailed account of the places he visited, but he also sprinkles in conversations with locals and other travellers, meals he enjoyed, and notable quotes from other writers. He does all of this with panache and humour. His sites were so vividly written, I wanted to pack up my bags and check out these places. Highly recommended for those who love travel, Vikings and a good story.

[Elizabeth White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Arnott's 'gone viking' is a terrific read especially for folk locked down in lockdown or anybody else! Bill is an accomplished writer. His energy and good humour shine off every page
and he has really done his homework on all things Viking. Can't recommend it too much.
Read and spend time in Bill's company. He is the perfect travelling companion!

[Janet Doane]

Gone Viking is a captivating epic journey - a tapestry woven with legends and lore, in a setting of stunning landscapes in Northern Europe and more. Arnott's real time personal Viking adventure that ran parallel with the history of Vikings of old, kept the pages turning. I found it beautifully crafted, lyrical, and immensely engaging.

[Sarah Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Highly recommend! I don’t usually pick up travel or journal style books but since Bill Arnott was my grandfathers name I picked it up on a whim! I love that the author is from Vancouver Canada and not only does he describe this part of the world so beautifully, he then continues to take you on a wonderful trip around the world searching for Viking history as well as adventure and fun! The author is witty, serious, honest and raw at times. It has made me want to travel to see some of the places because of his descriptions and interactions with others! Overall a fantastic read! Nicely done!

[P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book will amuse, educate and inspire. I loved Bill's storytelling. I want to go a-viking now.
This book is a humorous travel book and an amazing book for history buffs!

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched, hilariously witty, and at times incredibly tender, Gone Viking – A Travel Saga is one mans journey to travel the routes of legendary Norse explorers, while occasionally creating his own paths. Everything Arnott puts onto the page is like a glistening curl of oil paint, glowing with charm and a genuine reverence for the subject. This book was a privilege to read, and will likely double as a cherished travel guide in the future.

[Leah Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating travelogue following the trail of the Viking peoples around the world. Who knew these northern, mythic warrior tribes had gotten around quite so much? Enjoyable reading, and quite educational on the topic of one part of my family tree!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and interesting. Although some information I think was just to fill some space. Not really added to the story. It would be a fun and interesting trip though to follow the trail of the Vikings as they went Viking.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needs a map!

[Brad Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying sojourn, far more about the journey than the destinations. In terms of the actual history and lore, it left me wanting. Arnott’s humor and penchant for making friends along the way made this an enjoyable read. Why this book did not include a map, let alone several of them, is a genuine curiosity, though I suppose the Norse weren’t known for their cartography.

[Tom O'Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written, funny, and gentle history lesson all wrapped up in a modern-day Saga. Beware, this book will leave you wanting to travel and visit the locations, as the Vikings once did, and go adventuring.

[Gray Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEN EYE FROM THE VIKING GUY

Having enjoyed DROMOMANIA, Bill Arnott's first travel book, I was looking forward to getting my hands on his follow up, GONE VIKING. Not only was I eager to read more of the keen eye from the travel guy but it was also about my favourite period of history (everybody has one, haven't they?) - the Vikings.
Arnott, like all accomplished Vikings, is a moving target who makes landfall in a place and meticulously pillages all the best bits to bring back home to his book...and you the reader.
This smorgasbord (see what I did there?) of images and recollections is a joy to read. You'll find yourself travelling through a range of emotions as one minute you're marvelling at the beauty of his writing, the poetic images, and the next you find yourself chortling at some funny, nay often wicked, observation of some character he has come across in his roving. Not many books achieve this. Gone Viking certainly does.

[T.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me longer than usual to read Bill Arnott’s book, Gone Viking because I have been savoring each story, marveling at his eloquent word play, humorous observations, and vivid descriptions. The book was a finalist at the Whistler Independent Book Awards. A well-deserved acknowledgment! The author brings the reader along on his quest to follow the Viking’s trail across countries rich in history, introducing us to colourful locals, describing spectacular landscapes, and sharing interesting anecdotes to ponder or to make you laugh. His stories are poetry in motion, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gone Viking. I highly recommend this book.

[Gerald Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is packed with so much vivid descriptions of breathtaking scenery, historical facts, and humorous local encounters that you will want to read it again and again. A lot of care, thought and research obviously went into all the interesting, obscure history and delightful prose that are packed into this book. Can't recommend it enough, perfect read for these COVID stricken times when international travel is off limits. One thing I know is I can't wait to visit and hike some of the places Bill referenced in this book, a truly inspiring read.

[Camilla Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armchair travel at its best. Vividly descriptive travels with Bill as he traces the steps of vikings, infused with a great sense of humor. An epic journey that had me laughing out loud one moment, imagining I was sharing a table with Bill and enjoying the local cuisine another moment, and hiking the trails in the next moment. Beautiful writing! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Janet Mercer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tedious read interspersed with snippets of interesting Viking history. The story is well travelled, but could do with a little less intel on what the author had for dinner, and more detail on Viking history and sagas. It did have its humorous moments, but overall required a great deal of patience to wade through to the good parts.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this but just never could fully appreciate Arnott's writing style. The concept is fascinating, pulling all the different bits of Viking history together in a consise manner. The "to go viking" mentality that could have influenced other cultures was interesting but felt weakly integrated.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone Viking is a lovely blend of travel memoir, historical account, and humor. The author’s quest to explore the path of Viking explorations and battles all over the world, reflect his unique experiences and observations.

It took me a while to realize that this isn’t a chronological telling of his journey, but a carefully woven tapestry of different trips taken over eight years. Having never been to Greenland or Iceland, the book was not only entertaining but educational, and the author’s use of language is exquisite. While Arnott beautifully describes the places he visited, I would have loved to see photographs from those two countries to accompany the eloquent prose. I really look forward to reading the second installment in his series.

[Bruce Harbison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent travelogue. The author retraces the routes of 8th-12th century Vikings and describes his journey all over the Western world, the Middle-East, Greenland an other locations and then ends his trek in Newfoundland. His use of metaphor is similar to the writing in "Moby Duck" (different author) that I recently read. He visits landmarks, pubs and other places on his travels and brings the reader along using wit and wonderful descriptive narrative. Entertaining, fun and informative. Highly recommended!

[Carol Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was the title that made me pick up this book from the display at my local library. I enjoy Viking Age history and have visited most of the sites described in this book. I made my way through the first chapter constantly thinking "Where are the Vikings?" It got better with the author's arrival on the Orkney Islands. Still, there were great stretches of nothing except descriptions of the local area and meals and meeting people from various countries. I just skimmed a lot of this book and only read the parts that dealt with Viking Age history.

[Marlys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely portrait of some beautiful locations, and overall felt like reminiscing over a whirlwind trip with a friend. However, it took me a while to get into the rhythm of his writing style. Expect bird-watcher level of precision in identifying wildlife , quotes from great writers, and pop culture tangents whose connections that sometimes seem a little tenuous. Once you get used to these recurring quirks, it's an enjoyable trip.

[Tracy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious list of did that, then did that with the odd historical fact thrown in. He did not seem to engage much with people around him, in fact he often showed disdainful contempt for other “tourists”. He also revealed a mean streak when wishing for the skateboarders to fall and hurt themselves. Not sure why people say he’s a superb writer, he is not very engaging at all with no particularly interesting insights on the places he travelled to.

[Jason Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this after multiple attempts at starting the book and then not finishing it.
Previous failed efforts weren't a reflection on my enjoyment of this book, I really liked Arnott's style of writing and thought it was well-balanced in giving history of the Vikings alongside his own adventure.

It probably helped that I was watching Netflix's Vikings alongside this!
Would happily recommend the book to any fans of that show!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating view I to the impact Vikings had on the world. His descriptions are unique, entertaing and humor subtle and infectious. I would love to share a beer with Bill Arnott in some remote place.

[Kim Letson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. It took me on a fascinating journey through time and place. Bill sprinkles his tales with intriguing historic details, wonderful descriptions and plenty of humour. A must read for all who enjoy journeys.