When We Were Vikings

October 7, 2019
MacDonald’s offbeat debut introduces 21-year-old Zelda, a Viking-obsessed
young woman with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, who lives with her gruff, tattooed older brother and guardian, Gert. While he attends college on a hardship scholarship, Zelda enjoys spending time with Gert’s feisty ex-girlfriend AK47 and at the community center with her friends. She’s also determined to have sex with her boyfriend, Marxy, if only his overprotective mother would get out of the way. Money is tight, and when Zelda discovers that Gert has resorted to some possibly illegal money-making methods, she decides to help, because helping the tribe is what a Viking warrior does. What follows is by turns funny and tragic as Zelda navigates a new job at the library, explores intimacy with Marxy, and puts herself firmly in the crosshairs of some decidedly unsavory people. The guileless Zelda, who narrates, is a joy, and her fierce love for her family drives her, even if it means running headlong into danger. MacDonald avoids oversentimentality and a too-neat resolution, instead depicting Zelda’s desire to shape her own life and be the hero of her own legend with frankness and humor. Readers will be inspired by the unforgettable Zelda.

This gem of a performance by narrator Phoebe Strole shines so bright that it will surely catch the eye (or ear) of any listener. Viking enthusiast Zelda fiercely lives her life without apology. Her fetal alcohol syndrome is a mere hiccup in her plan to write her own legend. While she's determined to become her own person as she migrates into her 20s, life becomes more difficult when she discovers that her brother, Gert, has been dealing drugs in order to support the two of them financially. Strole's innocent and thoughtful tone is custom tailored to Zelda's curious and vivid personality. Listeners will also find each supporting character complex, real, and unique. With Strole's raw approach, this spectacular story and performance will be a fantastic addition to any audio library. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine