Faith of Their Fathers: A Saga of Iceland by Samuel M. Sargeant—Book Review

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing "Faith of Their Fathers" a historical thriller set in Medieval Iceland written by a PhD scholar of Medieval Old Norse-Icelandic sagas. I would like to extend my thanks to The Write Reads for putting together this blog tour and for including me in it! The tour will be ongoing until July 16th, so keep up with the hashtag #TheWriteReads and follow @The_WriteReads for additional reviews and spotlights!

What I Liked

“Faith of Their Fathers” by Samuel M. Sargeant is an engrossing historical novel that takes place in 11th century Iceland during the Kristnitaka era, a pivotal time of Christian transformation. The book’s depiction of this turbulent period is one of its strongest features. Sargeant really knows how to make history come alive in the story, with all the little details and vivid descriptions of Icelandic society.

The characters are fully fleshed out, and believable, adding layers to the overall plot. I was particularly impressed by the portrayal of women in this male-dominated society. The remarkable strength and heightened awareness of Freya, Bera, and Tyra distinguish them from others. Also, Freya and Bera have a remarkable independence and self-reliance. The author’s ability to showcase powerful women navigating and influencing a patriarchal world adds significant depth to the narrative.

Another notable aspect of the book is its action-packed scenes. The explicit violence and battles are reflective of the era and add to the authenticity of the story. These scenes, while intense, do not overshadow the character-driven plot but instead enhance the reader’s understanding of the brutal reality of the time.

What Didn’t Resonate with Me

While the historical context and character development are impressive, there were moments where the pacing felt uneven. The narrative sometimes dwelled too long on specific events or descriptions, which could slow down the otherwise gripping storyline. Additionally, the focus on male characters, though historically accurate, occasionally left me wanting more exploration of the women’s inner lives and perspectives.

Themes and Tropes

“Faith of Their Fathers” explores several significant themes, including the clash between Paganism and Christianity, gender roles, and the complexities of Icelandic society. The book shows how religion was often used as a justification for violence, a theme that is both historically pertinent and thought-provoking.

The portrayal of homosexuality in the story is handled with care and subtlety. While the details of the queer relationship are not explicitly outlined, the narrative effectively conveys the societal consequences and personal struggles associated with it. This introduces a level of intricacy and contemporary significance to the historical backdrop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Faith of Their Fathers” is a well-crafted, immersive historical novel that offers a deep dive into a fascinating period of Icelandic history. Samuel M. Sargeant’s ability to blend historical facts with engaging fiction results in a compelling narrative filled with memorable characters and intense action. I recommend it to those interested in battles, politics, and the profound impacts of religious and societal shifts. The story’s exploration of eternal themes like love, power, and revenge ensures its relevance and appeal across different eras and readers.