Zelda was not the only wonderful character. It does turn out really well in the end, so don't let the danger parts stop you from reading! This is one of those books where the reader knows more than the narrator what is going on, and I got very scared for Zelda! The writing was very good and kept me engaged, and it was one of those that I had to keep reminding myself it was just a book so that I could continue reading it. I really liked this book, but can't really say "enjoyed." I fell in love with Zelda right from the beginning, and had a difficult time as the plot got more suspenseful. Zelda’s perspective on life is at once both innocent and remarkably wise, and this book treats mental disabilities respectfully and shows how people with these conditions have needs and desires too. Zelda sets out obtain all of these things, and simultaneously manages to find her power and voice as a modern young woman, save the day for a few people, and more.Ĭomparisons to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime are apt in that this book is told from the POV of a character who sees the world in a profoundly different way than an average person, and it is laugh-out-loud hilarious at points. Her book lists some criteria of every legend that she decides to pursue, including becoming skilled in hand-to-hand combat, obtaining a powerful weapon, saving a maiden, and more. After Gert gives her a book about Vikings, she becomes obsessed with the goal of becoming a legendary Viking hero herself. Zelda is a young woman with a mental disability who was mostly raised by her brother, Gert. MacDonald for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery/Scout Press and Mr. She's an amazing character and reading this book was an absolute gift! She definitely wins legendary status as a Viking Warrior though.at least in my humble opinion. Unfortunately, she learns that isn't the case. Sadly, villains can be those you least expect and Zelda always thought they would be obvious. The last item on her list is to fight a villain - which she often believes is a Grendel. One thing I found interesting is that Zelda is always trying to become legendary throughout the book and she is checking off a list as she goes. I am a Viking fan myself, so I loved the tie in with Viking lore. It is also extremely painful when she makes mistakes and you're in her head to witness just how hard she is on herself. Seeing this story unfold from Zelda's perspective really is the perfect way to somewhat understand what it feels like to "walk in her shoes" and understand how she feels when others talk down to her or underestimate her. Probably one of the characters she is the closest with is her brother's "on again off again" girlfriend, AK47 (Annie). ![]() She also has a group of friends and a boyfriend. Gert is trying to watch out for Zelda but he doesn't always make the right choices either. Her brother, Gert, is the only family Zelda has since her father is not in the picture, her mother died from cancer and her uncle proved to be abusive. ![]() Zelda has a fascination with everything related to Vikings and often sees her own life through a "Viking filter." ![]() However, she's proven all the doubters wrong as she is high functioning with a strong moral compass. At birth, she wasn't given much hope for a future. It is told from the perspective of Zelda, a feisty 21 year old woman who is on the fetal alcohol spectrum. I enjoyed it as I read it but am most impressed by how much it has stuck with me since I finished reading. When We Were Vikings is one of those unique and rare finds in the book world.
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