• Daughter of a Thousand Years
3.5
Daughter of a Thousand Years Book Cover Daughter of a Thousand Years
Amalia Corasella
Historical fiction, contemporary drama
Lake Union Publishing
February 21, 2017
Paperback, Kindle, Audible, MP3 CD
444

Greenland, AD 1000

More than her fiery hair marks Freydís as the daughter of Erik the Red; her hot temper and fierce pride are as formidable as her Viking father’s. And so, too, is her devotion to the great god Thor, which puts her at odds with those in power—including her own brother, the zealous Leif Eriksson. Determined to forge her own path, she defies her family’s fury and clings to her dream of sailing away to live on her own terms, with or without the support of her husband.

New Hampshire, 2016

Like her Icelandic ancestors, history professor Emma Moretti is a passionate defender of Norse mythology. But in a small town steeped in traditional values, her cultural beliefs could jeopardize both her academic career and her congressman father’s reelection. Torn between public expectation and personal identity, family and faith, she must choose which to honor and which to abandon.

In a dramatic, sweeping dual narrative that spans a millennium, two women struggle against communities determined to silence them, but neither Freydís nor Emma intends to give up without a fight.

Historical adaptation used as the basis for a social commentary…

free copyThe idea that fiction can be the vehicle to make readers think about social issues and revisit their position, for or against, is not a novel idea.  Writers throughout history use the backdrop of a story to express their views.  I especially appreciate the author who can weave these truths and lessons masterfully into the story line or essence of a character.  Unfortunately, Daughter of a Thousand Years is not one of those stories.

Daughter of a Thousand Years is a split story line, alternating between an adaptation of the legend of Freydis Eiriksdottir (daughter of the the fabled Viking Erik the Red) and Emma Moretti, a modern day woman in her 20s who struggles with finding acceptance for embracing the heathen religion of her Nordic ancestors.  While Amelia’s intent was to promote religious freedom, in both the legend and the present day story the Christianity was portrayed as the intolerant religion, and Christians were spiteful purveyors of this intolerance.  While I do not argue that many ugly things throughout history have been done in the name of religion, this charge does not fall on Christianity alone.  An honest assessment would conclude that many amazing things have been accomplished in the name of faith and by devoted people from a variety of religions.  In my view, Amalia diluted the objective; religious tolerance, when she demonized another religion.The-Thinker

Initially, it was difficult for me to get into the Daughter of a Thousand Years.  Like I said earlier, I like a story that makes me contemplate larger issues, but using dialogue in the first quarter of the book to basically tell you the issue is not captivating.  More than once I had to force myself to keep reading.  But, I’m glad I did.  The plots of both past and present began to take shape about half way into the story and made it worth finishing.  I also found Amelia’s writing style to be very enjoyable; painting vivid pictures and solid characters. In my mind, it would not take but a few modifications to bring this rating from 3.5 to 4.5 stars.  Even in its current state its still worth checking out while its free on:   KindleUnlimitedLogo