The Viking Woman of Birka

by David K. Mullaly

Asa was a young woman who avenged a personal assault, was forced to become a warrior and leader during her family’s travels, and ultimately became responsible for defending Birka, one of the great Viking trade centers. This actual Norse woman made her mark during a violent time.

A Viking burial found on the Swedish island of Birka, identified as Bj.581, contained what was recently identified as the remains of a woman warrior and leader. What was found there confirmed that she was female and presented herself as such. Testing also suggested that she traveled a lot when she was young. What we cannot know for sure is how she grew into the role which typically was filled by men in the Norse culture.

This story is a riveting but plausible reconstruction of her life during a turbulent time in European and human history. It provides a realistic context based on our limited knowledge of the period, and creates a sequence of events which could have led to her becoming the extraordinary woman that she surely came to be.

Fans of the fiction of Bernard Cornwell, Robert Low, and James L. Nelson will appreciate this historical novel. Mullaly’s first two novels deal with a later period of Viking history.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

Published October 7, 2020

About the author

I am fascinated by Viking culture, history, and archeology, although I confess that Native American artifacts and objects from other ancient cultures are extremely interesting. I received both my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from Penn State University and did doctoral work in English at Northwestern University. I spent thirty years teaching high-school English and also taught part time at Northwestern.

I bought and sold Viking artifacts for over a dozen years and appreciate how the Nordic culture was reflected in their crafts. I have also worked with Norsemen Saga author James L. Nelson, and have published short essays about Viking artifacts on Academia.edu.

Reviews

[Melisende · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have just finished another wonderful book by David Mullaly - The Viking Woman of Birka". What can I say - I literally could not put it down! It demands to be read in one sitting. Like Lagertha, Asa - the warrior woman of Birka - provides a different look at the role of women in the Viking world - one which challenges the norms. David certainly knows his stuff (as his previous books will attest) and this well researched book on a fictional account of the warrior found in Bj:581 certainly does her justice. Highly recommended.

Definitely a 4.5 star rating!!


read more here @ Melisende's Library

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful interpretation of a female Viking grave site and how she came to be in possession of items in her burial.
Great way to bring some closeness and emotion to a time that feels so far away from ours, as archaeology tends to do

[Mary Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a storytellers book. The author took information about a female viking warrior uncovered in Sweden, and created a complete story of her life, from childhood to the height of her leadership role. It was a fascinating read with detailed character and story development. I highly enjoyed it.

[Kristine Leander · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved the epic novel “The Long Ships,” you will love “Viking Woman of Birka.” Written from a woman’s point of view, it included many details about Viking life we know from archeology to be factual, that I learned a lot from it. It wasn’t a “happily-ever-after” romantic bodice ripper, thank goodness. Just a darn good read about a woman in Viking times who upended expectations and made a life for herself, lost to history until a curious scientist decided to test the DNA of the bones buried in a Viking warrior’s grave in Sweden. Thank you to David Mullaly for bringing her alive in the pages of “The Viking Woman of Birka.”

[Dan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the new revelations about the Viking warrior grave in Birka Sweden, this is a novel of who it could be based on a very sound foundation of Viking times. Well written in a straight-forward style. This uses a very plausible idea of the life of the woman without getting wild and crazy. Could be read by teens although it does touch on what her sexual life may have been so there is that. Author was a teacher and it shows in how clear the writing is.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book gives life to the skeleton of a Viking Warrior Woman after it has been unearthed. There are several facts that Mullaly provides to set the stage for the life of this warrior. The story tells the likely adventure of this woman in her childhood and as a grown adult. She dies as a Viking Warrior. This is confirmed by the items buried with her.

[Klissia]

A mulher viking de Birka sempre será um mistério, mas autor conseguiu construir uma boa trama ficcionalizada com bom conhecimento histórico e de pesquisa sobre o cotidiano do mundo e ambiente viking em que as mulheres cresciam, sobre a baixa expectativa de vida os perigos das jornadas pelo mar e a outros locais de comércio de bens e valores.
Conseguiu criar uma mulher com presença e personalidade sem cair nos tropes feministas clichês . Uma leitura divertida.

[True · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how Mr. Mullaly can take very few historical facts and weave them into a tale that is not only readily believable but also immensely entertaining. I am looking forward to his next exciting creation!

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viking Woman of Birka by David K Mullaly has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE VIKING WOMAN OF BIRKA by David K. Mullaly is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!