(Originally posted to GoodReads on March 8, 2023)
Forest Child continues where we left off with Freydis Eiriksdottir and is filled with scenes rich in history. Heather Day Gilbert leaves out no detail about the terrain under feet, the food smells found in everyday life, or the architecture of the time. Imagining myself in the Viking and Icelandic longhouses was easy.
We meet more of the volva in this story and find them to be completely different than Gudrid’s example in God’s Daughter. There was a great spiritual battle truly waging at that time. Heather demonstrated this by showing the different perspectives of the cast of characters and brought to light how the progression of the missionary efforts changed the way Vikings viewed the traditions of the volva. One such leader of the old ways wished to keep the power of fear over those around her and utilized barbaric methods before finally being exposed. This was a shocking bit of history that I was not expecting to read, but Heather weaved it together perfectly. Each scene was used for a purpose, and all tied together.
This story is crafted into three parts – I found this to be a wonderful writing device. Each part feels complete. The pause between each part allowed me to digest what I’d read and then move into each new section with fresh eyes.
Freydis proves herself time and again as a great warrior, and we learn more about what shaped her. Along the way she confronts her need to be in charge, to lead, to conquer. Her husband Ref continues to love her as best as he knows how, though she pushes him away continually. She believes the lie she was told long ago that she is “just” a forest child and will never find acceptance easily. This drive to conquer for acceptance continues to drive her toward her dreams.
Gudrid’s life is visited in another chapter of her life with her husband and children. This time we visit them on her mother-in-law’s farm. Her tale shows us an unexpected dynamic of their relationship and reminds us that even the strongest of bonds and loving of marriages require nurturing, protection, and vigilance. No matter the challenges in Gudrid’s life, she is faithful to continue to share the good news with Freydis whenever she feels the nudging.
Ultimately, this is a story of redemption and of the healing balm only the Savior can bring. Each scene kept me looking forward to the next. I fear that if I keep gushing, there will be spoilers :) Great read!
