The Long Ships by Frans G. Benggston - A-

The Grandson: A book?

Grandpa: That's right. When I was your age, television was called books.  And this is a special book. It was the book my father used to read to me when I was sick, and I used to read it to your father. And today I'm
gonna read it to you.

The Grandson: Has it got any sports in it?

Grandpa: Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...

The Grandson: Doesn't sound too bad. I'll try to stay awake.

Grandpa: Oh, well, thank you very much, very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.


Grandpa: Westley didn't reach his destination. His ship was attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who never left captives alive. When Buttercup got the news that Westley was murdered...

The Grandson: -Murdered by pirates is good...


"The Long Ships" by Frans G. Benggston is a tremendously fun adventure.  Taking place at the turn of the first millennium, "The Long Ships" follows the life and adventures of Orm Tosteson, a Norseman from a long line of Vikings who was initially thrust into the Viking life after being captured.  Orm is not what you would  consider an ordinary Viking.  Sure, he plunders and fights.  He's immensely strong.  He's also a bit of a hypochondriac, more worried at one point in the book, for example, of fighting (to the death, I might add) outside in the cold where he might get a chill than he is about fighting at all.

Orm goes on many voyages and meets many great friends and characters along the way-Toke Gray-Gullsson, Father Willibald, Olof Sommerbird, and others, including Orm's wife, Ylva.  There's murder, revenge, plundering, quests, religious conflict, torture and general skullduggery.  I just wanted to use the word "skullduggery."

But this is much more than a story.  It can be read like a story, of course, but there are numerous themes to ponder as well, including ye olde standby, sin and redemption, religious themes, fate (including luck) vs. free will, many others.  Benggston also often leaves the reader hanging, and there are many questions that are left unanswered to be discussed and considered.

Benggston was a Swede who lived from 1894-1954.  "The Long Ships" is actually a combination of two books written by Benggston in 1941 and 1945.  For some reason, the book was recently republished (and Kindled).  One of my favorite authors, Michael Chabon, wrote the introduction to the most current version.

"The Long Ships" is a great book, recommended to anyone who enjoys a good adventure.

Live long, read and prosper.  We'll leave the lights on for you.