Forest Child

Starred review from January 9, 2017
In the second and final installment of her Vikings of the New World Saga, Gilbert focuses on Freydis, daughter of Eirik the Red, and the expedition she led with two Icelandic traders to Vinland (presumed to be an area near Newfoundland). Based primarily on the Saga of the Greenlanders, Gilbert deftly fleshes out Freydis’s story while remaining true to the bones of the historical record. Freydis is treacherous and deceitful, certainly not afraid to goad her devoted, albeit flawed, husband into putting her opponents to death. However, the fictionalized elements produce a protagonist motivated by maternal protectiveness and a desire for righteous punishment—her brutality justified, and her fearless determination respectable. Her brother Leif and best friend, Gudrid, are Christians; Freydis’s conversion comes later in this story. Ultimately, they must balance Viking laws and traditions against their adopted Christianity and its monotheistic tenets of truth and forgiveness. A glossary is provided, but Gilbert skillfully limits her use of Norse vocabulary to enhance the experience without bogging down the reader. Gilbert crafts an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership.