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The Sorrow Stone
After committing an audacious act of revenge for her brother’s murder, Disa flees with her son Sindri through the fjords of Iceland. She has already endured the death of her loved ones. Now she must run to save her son, and her honour.
In a society where betrayals and revenge killings are rife, all Disa has is her pride and her courage. Will it be enough for her and her son to escape retribution?
Dramatic and urgent in its telling, The Sorrow Stone celebrates one woman’s quest, against the dramatic backdrop of the Icelandic countryside. In this gripping novel, the co-author of the bestselling Saga Land takes a sidelined figure from the Viking tales and finally puts her where she belongs – at the centre of the story.
In a society where betrayals and revenge killings are rife, all Disa has is her pride and her courage. Will it be enough for her and her son to escape retribution?
Dramatic and urgent in its telling, The Sorrow Stone celebrates one woman’s quest, against the dramatic backdrop of the Icelandic countryside. In this gripping novel, the co-author of the bestselling Saga Land takes a sidelined figure from the Viking tales and finally puts her where she belongs – at the centre of the story.
226 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
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415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 11, 2022
3.5★
This is a solid 4★ book that I felt I had to rate down slightly through no real fault of the author or of the book. After enjoying Saga Land fairly recently, I was really keen to read this novel, and the audiobook edition crossed my path first, so I jumped at the chance. While the narration is excellent, I found that I tended to drift while listening and struggled to follow the story at times.
Based on The Saga of Gisli and Eyrbyggja Saga, this is the story of Thordis Sursdottir, the elder sister of Gisli. She's a much maligned figure in the sagas, although only a fairly minor character. In this novel, Gíslason renames her Disa and lovingly fleshes out her story. While the action happening around her is faithful to the sagas, when it comes to the detail, this story is Gíslason's creation. Full of atmosphere and action from an author with excellent credentials for such a retelling, The Sorrow Stone is an entertaining and highly accessible entry point to the Icelandic Sagas.
So why the focus issues? I put it down to 2 things; lack of context and changed names. If I'd had a text copy of the book, I'm pretty sure I might have flipped to the Author's Note first, and discovered that I was about to read a story connected to Gisli's Saga. Superb context. And I might even have picked up Saga Land for a quick refresher. As for the changed names, again it might not have been an issue with a text edition. But in the Audiobook, Gerd and Aud sound strikingly similar (despite looking very different on the page). They are both wives of major characters, and in addition one is the sister and the other the lover of another character. I still couldn't say which! Even Gils and Kel were hard to pin down at times. Being unable to connect names and characteristics with the key couples made it very difficult to follow some of the action. I'm not saying don't read the Audiobook, just be mindful of potential difficulties. As for me, I'm planning to do myself a favour and schedule a re-read of a text edition at some stage.
This is a solid 4★ book that I felt I had to rate down slightly through no real fault of the author or of the book. After enjoying Saga Land fairly recently, I was really keen to read this novel, and the audiobook edition crossed my path first, so I jumped at the chance. While the narration is excellent, I found that I tended to drift while listening and struggled to follow the story at times.
Based on The Saga of Gisli and Eyrbyggja Saga, this is the story of Thordis Sursdottir, the elder sister of Gisli. She's a much maligned figure in the sagas, although only a fairly minor character. In this novel, Gíslason renames her Disa and lovingly fleshes out her story. While the action happening around her is faithful to the sagas, when it comes to the detail, this story is Gíslason's creation. Full of atmosphere and action from an author with excellent credentials for such a retelling, The Sorrow Stone is an entertaining and highly accessible entry point to the Icelandic Sagas.
So why the focus issues? I put it down to 2 things; lack of context and changed names. If I'd had a text copy of the book, I'm pretty sure I might have flipped to the Author's Note first, and discovered that I was about to read a story connected to Gisli's Saga. Superb context. And I might even have picked up Saga Land for a quick refresher. As for the changed names, again it might not have been an issue with a text edition. But in the Audiobook, Gerd and Aud sound strikingly similar (despite looking very different on the page). They are both wives of major characters, and in addition one is the sister and the other the lover of another character. I still couldn't say which! Even Gils and Kel were hard to pin down at times. Being unable to connect names and characteristics with the key couples made it very difficult to follow some of the action. I'm not saying don't read the Audiobook, just be mindful of potential difficulties. As for me, I'm planning to do myself a favour and schedule a re-read of a text edition at some stage.
February 20, 2022
The author has taken a story from the Icelandic sagas and written his own version. It starts with a woman, Disa and her son fleeing her home after a stabbing. She wants to get to her brothers home across the fjords. One thread of the story is this journey, the other thread tells her life story, and her brothers, what made them leave Norway to travel to Iceland and their lives after settling in the Northwest of the island. It’s a tale of honour killings and revenge and it’s a wonder anyone ever lives to tell the story! It’s very readable and I found it hard to put down but it does end quickly and feels a bit anticlimactic.
November 23, 2023
This appears to be some sort of pointless retelling of an Icelandic family saga, stretching from Norway to Iceland over two generations. Unlike the real sagas, this story is lifeless and boring to the point of tedium. I got about two thirds through the book before I gave up. Another thing: the author and the Univeristy of Queensland Press should be ashamed about publishing a book without properly editing it. It is full of mistakes: sloppy. UQP standards seem to have slipped badly.
December 20, 2021
Thanks to UQP Books for my advanced copy.
Set in the mid-tenth century, against a backdrop of Icelandic fjords and countryside, we follow Disa and her 12-year-old son Sindri, as they run to safety following a revenge killing. Running parallel is the childhood backstory of Disa and her brothers, through to their respective marriages, and what eventually leads to the family betrayal and killing.
Kári Gíslason has written an engaging retelling of an Icelandic saga (The Saga of Gisli) that places front and centre its female protagonist. In a society that values women as the possessions of men, Disa is strong, forthright and fiercely independent. The powerful bond she has with her brothers is visceral, and their presence in her life – even when not physically there – is constant. As we follow her and her son along their land-and-sea journey to safety, we learn not only about the influences in her life, but also the ramifications of her actions, and the inactions of her brothers, that have led her to her current situation.
Rich in detail, we see the harshness of the lives lived in this ancient culture; mythologies and Christianity intertwining; and the loyalties and passions that drive all of the characters’ motivations. Utterly compelling - I can absolutely see this adapted to the screen. Rivalries, betrayals, revenge killings, and vast sweeping views of the land and seascapes will make for edge-of-your-seat viewing.
I learned a lot about the brutal realities of day-to-day life of this period of history; and following Disa’s quest kept me turning the pages - and, its conclusion left me wanting to know more. Helpfully, Gíslason’s afterword provides a satisfactory, albeit brief, summary of what was to follow in her, and her family’s lifetime. I’ve not read anything like this before and I’m now keen to explore further.
Set in the mid-tenth century, against a backdrop of Icelandic fjords and countryside, we follow Disa and her 12-year-old son Sindri, as they run to safety following a revenge killing. Running parallel is the childhood backstory of Disa and her brothers, through to their respective marriages, and what eventually leads to the family betrayal and killing.
Kári Gíslason has written an engaging retelling of an Icelandic saga (The Saga of Gisli) that places front and centre its female protagonist. In a society that values women as the possessions of men, Disa is strong, forthright and fiercely independent. The powerful bond she has with her brothers is visceral, and their presence in her life – even when not physically there – is constant. As we follow her and her son along their land-and-sea journey to safety, we learn not only about the influences in her life, but also the ramifications of her actions, and the inactions of her brothers, that have led her to her current situation.
Rich in detail, we see the harshness of the lives lived in this ancient culture; mythologies and Christianity intertwining; and the loyalties and passions that drive all of the characters’ motivations. Utterly compelling - I can absolutely see this adapted to the screen. Rivalries, betrayals, revenge killings, and vast sweeping views of the land and seascapes will make for edge-of-your-seat viewing.
I learned a lot about the brutal realities of day-to-day life of this period of history; and following Disa’s quest kept me turning the pages - and, its conclusion left me wanting to know more. Helpfully, Gíslason’s afterword provides a satisfactory, albeit brief, summary of what was to follow in her, and her family’s lifetime. I’ve not read anything like this before and I’m now keen to explore further.
March 2, 2022
Gripping, beautifully written and oh so atmospheric. Such a treat to be immersed in a time and place so distant. Richly imagined and authentic.
April 9, 2022
“I understood what she wanted me to know. She was telling me how to stay alive when men start fighting”
.
.
.
To be a woman in 10th Century Iceland must have been tough
Not only were you essentially a possession, but it seems that revenge killings were rife and that when men did start fighting, the life that you had built, your family and your safety were simply collateral damage
In The Sorrow Stone, Kári Gíslason has reimagined the life of Thordis Sursdottir, a real woman whose story was captured in the margins of the medieval Icelandic sagas. Gíslason has renamed her Disa and given her her own saga
Born in Norway, Disa and her family flee to Iceland after a feud with a neighbouring family. Disa is haunted by the tale of Gundrun, a woman immortalised for revering her brothers about all others, even killing her children in revenge for their death. For Disa, however, she’s all too aware of her brothers’ flaws, as much as she loves them, and they continuously give her reason to hate them
What struck me most of all about The Sorrow Stone was the sheer stoicism and tenacity of its women who continue to survive, bear children, love and grieve in the face of circumstances that are often beyond their control. There’s a bleak beauty to the story and the writing that seems to reflect the Icelandic landscape which is, in itself, almost a character in the story. I loved this, in part because it completely transported me to a time and a place I knew little about, but also because I have a hankering to visit Iceland and this gave me a taste of how it might be
Thank you to the lovely folk @uqpbooks for my #gifted copy and for fuelling my Iceland obsession
.
.
.
To be a woman in 10th Century Iceland must have been tough
Not only were you essentially a possession, but it seems that revenge killings were rife and that when men did start fighting, the life that you had built, your family and your safety were simply collateral damage
In The Sorrow Stone, Kári Gíslason has reimagined the life of Thordis Sursdottir, a real woman whose story was captured in the margins of the medieval Icelandic sagas. Gíslason has renamed her Disa and given her her own saga
Born in Norway, Disa and her family flee to Iceland after a feud with a neighbouring family. Disa is haunted by the tale of Gundrun, a woman immortalised for revering her brothers about all others, even killing her children in revenge for their death. For Disa, however, she’s all too aware of her brothers’ flaws, as much as she loves them, and they continuously give her reason to hate them
What struck me most of all about The Sorrow Stone was the sheer stoicism and tenacity of its women who continue to survive, bear children, love and grieve in the face of circumstances that are often beyond their control. There’s a bleak beauty to the story and the writing that seems to reflect the Icelandic landscape which is, in itself, almost a character in the story. I loved this, in part because it completely transported me to a time and a place I knew little about, but also because I have a hankering to visit Iceland and this gave me a taste of how it might be
Thank you to the lovely folk @uqpbooks for my #gifted copy and for fuelling my Iceland obsession
February 20, 2022
The Sorrow Stone by Kári Gíslason
Thanks to UQP for the ARC
I didn’t simply read this book - I experienced it !
Kári Gíslason has created an engrossing reimagining of a medieval saga and I was drawn into it from the first page. Even the title intrigued me - I won’t divulge the aha! moment when the context is revealed.
I thought reading a saga would be intense but Gíslason’s writing and style, though rich in detail and evocative descriptions, is driven by strong character portrayals and the urgency that underpins their odyssey.
I felt I was there with Dis and her 12 year old son Sindri on their fascinating though tortuous journey - both physically and emotionally - through the demanding landscape and harsh environment of 10th century Norway and Iceland.
The world of honour, betrayal and revenge killings (not ‘murders’) is revealed, as the reasons for this journey become clear and lead to the emotionally and satisfying conclusion.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it won’t be the last.
Thanks to UQP for the ARC
I didn’t simply read this book - I experienced it !
Kári Gíslason has created an engrossing reimagining of a medieval saga and I was drawn into it from the first page. Even the title intrigued me - I won’t divulge the aha! moment when the context is revealed.
I thought reading a saga would be intense but Gíslason’s writing and style, though rich in detail and evocative descriptions, is driven by strong character portrayals and the urgency that underpins their odyssey.
I felt I was there with Dis and her 12 year old son Sindri on their fascinating though tortuous journey - both physically and emotionally - through the demanding landscape and harsh environment of 10th century Norway and Iceland.
The world of honour, betrayal and revenge killings (not ‘murders’) is revealed, as the reasons for this journey become clear and lead to the emotionally and satisfying conclusion.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it won’t be the last.
February 18, 2024
A saga can read like a gory, brutal "mythic" story, one to enjoy in the moment but leave behind at its conclusion. Kari's retelling of the story of Thordis Sursdottir was both gripping and harrowing, whilst at the same time, as though Thordis herself was sitting by the fire, quietly sharing it with her young descendants.
It felt deeply personal, illustrating the futility of love when clouded by a sense of possession.
The story speaks to family vengeance, greed and envy and how love acts as a curse where we bind those we love to allegiance despite the terrible toll it may bring.
At the conclusion, I wanted to howl with sadness but realised that this tale is over a thousand years old, yet we still witness murder over family battles and love gone wrong. I felt my heart turn to stone at the futility of it all.
The Sorrow Stone is not just Thordis’s story; it is our collective story of love and the illusions we carry in our hearts and minds. Healing our wounds allows us to see the reality and understand that freedom is the greatest act of love.
It felt deeply personal, illustrating the futility of love when clouded by a sense of possession.
The story speaks to family vengeance, greed and envy and how love acts as a curse where we bind those we love to allegiance despite the terrible toll it may bring.
At the conclusion, I wanted to howl with sadness but realised that this tale is over a thousand years old, yet we still witness murder over family battles and love gone wrong. I felt my heart turn to stone at the futility of it all.
The Sorrow Stone is not just Thordis’s story; it is our collective story of love and the illusions we carry in our hearts and minds. Healing our wounds allows us to see the reality and understand that freedom is the greatest act of love.
June 4, 2022
I must be missing something as there are so many great reviews for this book. I liked the setting being in Norway and Iceland but I struggles with keeping track of the different characters and time shifts. It was with a bit of relief that I finally finished it.
It is a Medieval saga set in theb10th century when Christianity was being introduced into society. The story follows Disa and her son after Disa had stabbed a person for revenge of her brother's murder. She runs to the fiords of iceland to a person from her past that she hopes will give.her refuge.
The story constantly flits constantly from present to past to present and the story of her family is told.
Basically, the story is full of family feuds and killing someone for revenge was common place. The writing style was ok but I don't think it flowed very well. Some people call it atmospheric...perhaps but I didn't get much joy from this book and in time to come I doubt Inwill remember it.
It is a Medieval saga set in theb10th century when Christianity was being introduced into society. The story follows Disa and her son after Disa had stabbed a person for revenge of her brother's murder. She runs to the fiords of iceland to a person from her past that she hopes will give.her refuge.
The story constantly flits constantly from present to past to present and the story of her family is told.
Basically, the story is full of family feuds and killing someone for revenge was common place. The writing style was ok but I don't think it flowed very well. Some people call it atmospheric...perhaps but I didn't get much joy from this book and in time to come I doubt Inwill remember it.
May 9, 2022
I am truly grateful that I opted for the audio version of this saga retold. Though I felt I may have missed some of the more subtle nuances of the story through listening rather than reading, the benefit of having correct pronunciation of the beautiful language outweighed any loss of detail.
I have not read the saga from which this story was born, but I don’t think that detracted from my understanding. I cannot say that I loved this book. Disa was a whiny, self-obsessed, trouble-maker - though at times, also a strong woman. The history and cultural aspects are fascinating, but I would not say I was gripped by this story. I did want to read to the end, so I guess it was successful in that regard.
I was most interested in the language, and especially the kennings - the title being one. The sorrow stone, the heart.
I have not read the saga from which this story was born, but I don’t think that detracted from my understanding. I cannot say that I loved this book. Disa was a whiny, self-obsessed, trouble-maker - though at times, also a strong woman. The history and cultural aspects are fascinating, but I would not say I was gripped by this story. I did want to read to the end, so I guess it was successful in that regard.
I was most interested in the language, and especially the kennings - the title being one. The sorrow stone, the heart.
March 11, 2022
The story of Disa and her son fleeing from a brutal life is based on an Icelandic saga from the 10th century. I find stories from Iceland quite intriguing as it has such a rich history that is still kept alive today.
Even though I did enjoy this story, nothing can compare to Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites. Her rich descriptive language, her characters that leap off the page leave this story somewhat lacking.
Even though I did enjoy this story, nothing can compare to Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites. Her rich descriptive language, her characters that leap off the page leave this story somewhat lacking.
December 27, 2023
This novel didn’t even come close to delivering for me. Some of this may be attributed to listening on audio rather than reading, as the structure of the novel was not very ‘listener friendly’. It flicks back and forth but doesn’t do so from chapter to chapter, but instead randomly within the chapters. I found myself quite often not knowing whether I was in the past or the present until a few paragraphs in. If you were reading it, I would expect there might have been chapter breaks to indicate this change in the story.
That aside, I just didn’t like this story at all. The characters were revolting. The women were snide and bitchy to each other all the time and the men just seemed to be in a constant state of wanting to fight or kill each other. Disa, the main character, was alternately incredibly naive and incredibly arrogant. I couldn’t figure out half the time if Disa was in love with her brother Gill or her husband (can’t remember his name) or both. Neither of them seemed to like Disa very much at all yet seemed obsessed with owning her. She didn’t seem to even like her brother half the time but then she would defer to him constantly and ended up avenging his death when he had been involved in killing her first boyfriend and also her husband. The entire family dynamic was strange. Disa herself was always aggressive and defensive, increasingly so as the novel wore on. I could not develop any character empathy towards her at all.
The promise of an atmospheric rendering of medieval Iceland fell flat as well. It just seemed like a depressing place that Disa regretted having to move to. I don’t know if my feelings about this book would differ if I’d read it instead of listening. I suspect not. I’ll put it down to a case of expectations not being met and leave it at that. I would hesitate to read anything further by this author as I think his chosen topic is Icelandic history and maybe that’s just not for me.
That aside, I just didn’t like this story at all. The characters were revolting. The women were snide and bitchy to each other all the time and the men just seemed to be in a constant state of wanting to fight or kill each other. Disa, the main character, was alternately incredibly naive and incredibly arrogant. I couldn’t figure out half the time if Disa was in love with her brother Gill or her husband (can’t remember his name) or both. Neither of them seemed to like Disa very much at all yet seemed obsessed with owning her. She didn’t seem to even like her brother half the time but then she would defer to him constantly and ended up avenging his death when he had been involved in killing her first boyfriend and also her husband. The entire family dynamic was strange. Disa herself was always aggressive and defensive, increasingly so as the novel wore on. I could not develop any character empathy towards her at all.
The promise of an atmospheric rendering of medieval Iceland fell flat as well. It just seemed like a depressing place that Disa regretted having to move to. I don’t know if my feelings about this book would differ if I’d read it instead of listening. I suspect not. I’ll put it down to a case of expectations not being met and leave it at that. I would hesitate to read anything further by this author as I think his chosen topic is Icelandic history and maybe that’s just not for me.
August 12, 2022
An interesting pre Christian Icelandic saga. For me the style of writing reflected this period well, highlighting the violent, vengeful customs the characters engage in as a normal part of existence.
November 13, 2025
3 1/2 stars. My knowledge of the sagas is non-existent, so to me this was a story that bounced between timelines
January 15, 2023
2.75 - This was an interesting premise and weighty with questions of right and wrong, loyalty and honour. I enjoy retellings that centre female characters, and while Disa felt empowered and unstoppable, she also fell a little flat for me. The setting was beautiful and the edge of sorrow laced within it intriguing, but the story didn't quite have enough for me to sustain it.
February 1, 2022
I was interested to read The Sorrow Stone as I’d enjoyed travelling in Iceland and Norway and reading Saga Land, but I had no real expectations about the story. Thankfully I found I was invested in the characters from the start, which made it tough to witness their heartbreaks, betrayals and disgrace, but exhilarating to journey with them. What an interesting story and what a tough culture to be a woman in, with menfolk seemingly continually feuding and murdering each other and you trying to survive the consequences! I especially like chatty and plucky young Sindri. I learnt from the afterword that he went on to become one of the most influential figures in Icelandic History, I’m sure because he learnt a lot from his resilient and resourceful mother!
March 25, 2022
The first time I read a Scandinavian historical novel in the pre Christian Era. It’s fast moving - someone is always killing someone or someone is f&@$ing someone else’s woman then it’s all revenge - for honour and filial piety and love. It’s passionate, intense. It jumps between Diesa’s upbringing and her adult love life then her journey for survival with her son. The story unfolds to explain what she is escaping from and it all ties together to a bitter sweet end. The author then tells the actual Norwegian saga it came from.
March 3, 2022
"The Sorrow Stone" by Kari Gislason took me many attempts to complete. I struggled to keep both the characters and the time shifts straight. This was probably due to my unfamiliarity with Nordic names, places and folklore. I finally completed it, and it was more relief than the enjoyment of this retelling of a Nordic story.
Thank you to BetterReading and University of Queensland Press for a free advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to BetterReading and University of Queensland Press for a free advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 14, 2022
This book is based on the life of Thordis Sursdottir who was born in western Norway and lived part of her life in Iceland. It was interesting to read of the sagas written in the tenth century and the difficult life for women, and men, in those times. Life seems so real when it is written as a novel.
June 7, 2022
Fairly good escape. Enjoyable writing style. Despite hearing the story of the characters from childhood to adulthood I didn’t feel they were well developed. This might have been due to the number of characters, or perhaps the use of first person.
Ultimately nothing of substance really happens in the book. People just have sex and kill each other. There’s no real climax.
Ultimately nothing of substance really happens in the book. People just have sex and kill each other. There’s no real climax.
Read
April 30, 2022DNF - not for me - thought it was retelling of saga in modern Iceland but is historical fiction which I generally don’t enjoy. However I can see it is well written - vividly recreates time and place.
May 2, 2022
Interesting to learn how people lived in this ‘Vikings’ era. Their customs, retribution and rituals etc. Some of the names and places were similar so I had to often check if the setting was Iceland or Norway. Worth a read though.
May 9, 2022
"He wants to fighten you. Its what they do when their daughters are your age. They can't help themselves. They should sit at the fire and be quite until they drop dead"
I'm not sure how well a male writing about such a significant female as that female worked
I'm not sure how well a male writing about such a significant female as that female worked
April 3, 2022
I almost gave up on reading this book. I found the narration dull and the characters unlikeable. I enjoyed the otherworldly setting (for me in Australia).
September 11, 2022
Riverbend Book Club May-22. Finally got around to reading this one. It was okay, but didn’t love it - too much jealous love triangle and not enough Viking adventure for me.
May 22, 2022
In some ways, Kári Gíslason's The Sorrow Stone makes a good follow-up to Saga Land with Richard Fidler. Those retellings of some of the most famous Icelandic sagas created a different landscape for readers of Nordic literature. #NordicNoir sites its grisly serial killings in bleak snowy landscapes, enabling secrets to be buried under ice and snow. The bodies are revealed only when it melts, with the clear implication that the next snows will lead to covering up more violence and more death and more vengeance. (And another series for a misunderstood TV detective to solve.) Saga Land, however, showed us a landscape of farms and farming, and Gíslason builds on this in The Sorrow Stone by showing his readers daily life during the passage of the seasons, the cyclic preparations for winter, and the dust and scratches on the hands of people who work the land.
Unfortunately, to remain true to the sagas from which it derives, The Sorrow Stone perpetuates the idea of a society where family feuds lead to betrayal and vengeance.
The Sorrow Stone is the story of Disa, a character derived from two medieval sagas based on real events, The Saga of Gisli and Eyrbyggia Saga. In a sideline to main events these sagas mention the 10th century story of Thordis Sursdottir, who was exiled to Haukadal in the Westfjords after her brother's dispute with a neighbour. In expanding the story to make this woman not only the centre of the story but also to redeem her, Gíslason has renamed Thordis as Disa, and her son Snorri Thorgrimsson as Sindri.
For the first time in my reading life, I became aware that book design can contribute to, or detract from comprehension of the text. The Sorrow Stone is a dual timeline narrative: it begins with Disa and Sindri's flight from her act of vengeance, and as it traces their progress towards what they hope will be refuge, the backstory that led to events is revealed. Not chapter by chapter, but in segments separated from the flight narrative by what I assume is a small Nordic rune. A rune that is easy to overlook when it's at the bottom of a page, leading to disorientating confusion between the present and the backstory.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2022/05/22/t...
Unfortunately, to remain true to the sagas from which it derives, The Sorrow Stone perpetuates the idea of a society where family feuds lead to betrayal and vengeance.
The Sorrow Stone is the story of Disa, a character derived from two medieval sagas based on real events, The Saga of Gisli and Eyrbyggia Saga. In a sideline to main events these sagas mention the 10th century story of Thordis Sursdottir, who was exiled to Haukadal in the Westfjords after her brother's dispute with a neighbour. In expanding the story to make this woman not only the centre of the story but also to redeem her, Gíslason has renamed Thordis as Disa, and her son Snorri Thorgrimsson as Sindri.
For the first time in my reading life, I became aware that book design can contribute to, or detract from comprehension of the text. The Sorrow Stone is a dual timeline narrative: it begins with Disa and Sindri's flight from her act of vengeance, and as it traces their progress towards what they hope will be refuge, the backstory that led to events is revealed. Not chapter by chapter, but in segments separated from the flight narrative by what I assume is a small Nordic rune. A rune that is easy to overlook when it's at the bottom of a page, leading to disorientating confusion between the present and the backstory.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2022/05/22/t...
June 26, 2025
I will begin this review by saying I am incredibly fond of Iceland; it’s culture, history, geography etc. so the overall mood of this novel felt very homely and safe to me.
At times, I questioned the strength of the plot - i often wanted more from characters and more from the story, perhaps even more description of the setting; however, this is a retelling of a famous saga and it was insightful to have this pov and story explored.
I enjoyed how relationships developed and changed and the dynamic between the women was particularly interesting.
Touching on this more (following the read of another review), this story did however give so much strength to the stories of its women - it really explored the difficulties of being a woman in this time; where you were viewed as a possession or status symbol, and the security of the life you’ve spent years building is reliant upon and threatened by the men in your life and their own dealings.
This subject matter in the book was beautifully written and the finishing chapters between Aud and Disa were intimate and bore somewhat of a cold, but earnest understanding.
At times, I questioned the strength of the plot - i often wanted more from characters and more from the story, perhaps even more description of the setting; however, this is a retelling of a famous saga and it was insightful to have this pov and story explored.
I enjoyed how relationships developed and changed and the dynamic between the women was particularly interesting.
Touching on this more (following the read of another review), this story did however give so much strength to the stories of its women - it really explored the difficulties of being a woman in this time; where you were viewed as a possession or status symbol, and the security of the life you’ve spent years building is reliant upon and threatened by the men in your life and their own dealings.
This subject matter in the book was beautifully written and the finishing chapters between Aud and Disa were intimate and bore somewhat of a cold, but earnest understanding.
February 10, 2022
Thanks to UQP Books for my advance copy:
Queensland author Kari Gislason has cleverly used a woman from his birthplace, the fjords of Iceland, to weave a compelling tale of love and honour. He crafts his novel around Disa, a bit player in a Viking tale, and expands it to tell not only her story of loss and quest for revenge, but also to pay homage to the places that shaped the original saga. It’s a story that’s been told thousands, if not millions, of times before, but never this way. Gislason is a deft wordsmith who has the knack of quickly seizing a reader’s attention and holding it. Parts of the story are horrific, but the reader never loses empathy for Disa. Her courage is the overwhelming feature of the story and it’s what keeps the reader’s attention to the very end. A footnote: Gislason’s story also made me eager to discover more about the Grey Blade, a treasure of the past.
Queensland author Kari Gislason has cleverly used a woman from his birthplace, the fjords of Iceland, to weave a compelling tale of love and honour. He crafts his novel around Disa, a bit player in a Viking tale, and expands it to tell not only her story of loss and quest for revenge, but also to pay homage to the places that shaped the original saga. It’s a story that’s been told thousands, if not millions, of times before, but never this way. Gislason is a deft wordsmith who has the knack of quickly seizing a reader’s attention and holding it. Parts of the story are horrific, but the reader never loses empathy for Disa. Her courage is the overwhelming feature of the story and it’s what keeps the reader’s attention to the very end. A footnote: Gislason’s story also made me eager to discover more about the Grey Blade, a treasure of the past.
June 10, 2022
I was excited to read this, having really enjoyed Saga Land, but overall it fell a bit flat for me. I appreciate the effort to put Disa (renamed) at the centre of this retelling of the Saga of Gisli, but for some reason she still felt distant and unknowable. None of the characters really had enough defining features to be distinct from one another, which made it hard, at times, to follow and keep focused on the story. The scene setting, however, is incredibly detailed and vivid, and the brutalities of day to day life - or simply survival, leapt off the page. Worth reading if you love a mythology retelling!
March 31, 2022
A compelling, simply rendered story of a culture and time that is completely foreign to me. The detail is immersive, the themes are raw and gripping and the relationships were deftly handled and intricately painted. My modern sensibilities triggered a really interesting reaction to this book - I was fascinated, challenged and left wondering about so many aspects in this brutal and fascinating era, with all its harsh realities of daily existence. And I felt cold just reading it! Beautifully done.
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