Aud the Deep-Minded (2009)

2009

271 pages

Fiction

Historical Fiction

Aud the Deep-Minded (2009)

A riveting story portraying the Viking Era from the standpoint of a unique woman who went against tradition and made her mark on history.

In the early Viking Age, Iceland was the last country in Europe to be discovered and settled by man. Thousands of people sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to make a new life for themselves on this faraway island of fire and ice.

In the vast medieval literature of the Icelanders, sagas are told of their battles and blood feuds, but also of heroic deeds and amazing adventures. Almost all the stories are centered around men: Norse Vikings who harried wide and far in the Western Seas. But not all. In those turbulent times one woman is said to have secretly built a ship in Caithness, Scotland, and led her own expedition to Iceland.

This was Aud the Deep-Minded, daughter of Ketil Flatnose, Lord of the Western Isles of Scotland. The novel traces her story from youth through her stormy relationship with King Olaf the White of Dublin, while painting a vivid picture of this tumultuous period when battles were constantly being waged between the Norse invaders and the natives of Britain and Ireland.

https://www.islit.is/en/promotion-and-translations/icelandic-literature/interviews-with-icelandic-authors/nr/3480

https://www.davidsdottir.is/english-aud-the-deepminded.html

Reviews

It’s always truly exciting to read a novel by an author who is clearly familiar and knowledgeable with her subject matter, for which she herself has a burning passion and interest. Aud is such a novel by a very talented author, who has great knowledge of Old Norse sources from which she weaves her gripping story.

Thora Ingvarsdottir, ordid.is

In one word, I thought the novel Aud magnificent. I read it quickly because it’s exciting and well-written and I enjoyed every minute of it. I long to hear more about this famous female settler of Iceland and I hope Davidsdottir will continue to tell us more of the story of our strong, remarkable and pioneering female ancestor!

Aslaug Benediktsdottir, Bokmenntir.is

The novel is based on meticulous and ambitious historical research and presents the reader with a vivid picture of the culture and way of life in the British Isles of those early times. ... The story is well structured, exciting and informative and totally engages the reader right to the end.

Thormodur Dagsson, Morgunbladid

The novel is exceptionally good, as might be expected from Vilborg Davidsdottir. The historical setting is full of drama and her characters vivid and believable. I look forward to its continuation, which I’m pretty sure will be even more exciting.

Bryndis Simonardottir, midjan.is

As with Davidsdottir’s previous work, Aud the Deep-Minded is a wonderful book ... a coming-of-age story of Audur the Deep-Minded, which becomes both powerful and fascinating in Davidsdottir’s hands.

Jenny Anna Baldursdottir

Davidsdottir draws a lucid and riveting picture of her characters and the life they used to live: the reader can smell them, hear their voices, see them vividly … Davidsdottir has a warm relationship with her characters … her style is robust, completely devoid of those mannerisms sometimes displayed by time-travelling writers. An entertaining and rich story …

Hrafn Jokulsson, Business Magazine

As in her previous books, the writer succeeds in drawing a very convincing picture of life during the times in which the story takes place. To this purpose, she deploys many tools, not least meticulous research … The characterisation in the story is superb and this is where the writer’s strength lies. Audur the Deepminded is revealed very much alive, an independent, hot-tempered, proud and daring woman. ... Vilborg Davidsdottir has convincingly demonstrated that she is an excellent historical novelist, and here her gift for storytelling comes into its own.

Oddny Arnadottir

Davidsdottir’s knowledge of history and folklore is revealed in her descriptions of both the outer forms of society and the inner workings of its beliefs based on a heathen religion and its domineering ethos of superstition and ancient custom. There are detailed descriptions of domestic utensils and daily life, along with various traditions and practices involved in marriages, blood sacrifices, and burial rites. Particular attention is paid to events in the lives of women, such as being in labour and giving birth to and breast-feeding babies. But all such descriptions are carefully woven into the narrative plot itself so that the reader is presented with a broad and convincing picture of a heathen, Viking society. It is also evident that Davidsdottir is very knowledgeable concerning the geographic and natural background of her story. There are many magnificent descriptions of natural phenomena in which the ocean, cliffs and birds play leading roles. It could be said the author reaches the heights of her art in her vivid and tangible presentation of natural forces that so easily come to life in the readers’ imagination. … The trilogy of Aud the Deep-Minded also has an exceptionally meaningful resonance within the world of our own times, as indeed do all classic historical novels. While reading the trilogy, the reader is continually reminded of the fate of ordinary folk in history, especially that of women and children, as victims of war and internecine violence in contemporary nations, and the consequent flood of refugees. Aud the Deep-Minded Ketilsdottir was perhaps first and foremost a refugee who succeeded in escaping conflict and securing a new life for herself and her descendants in a new land.

Soffia Audur Birgisdottir, TMM

Awards

Nominated

Icelandic Literary Prize 2009

Rights Sold

Translation rights sold

TV series rights sold to Thorsson Productions