This book is absolutely not what I was expecting! The POV of the main character is really interesting—as is her characterization and backstory. MacDonald is a skilled writer and the pace of the story is nice. I would definitely recommend this interesting tale.

Sorry so late in reviewing... a great book of people trying to do what is right and overcoming obstacles. Highly recommended for all ages and readers

This book can be closely compared to SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. I loved the main character and her outlook on life and Vikings. I loved all her emails to her favorite historian! And her brother and his drive to pay the bills!

Such a sweet and innocent lead wit a curious mind!

Written in the vein of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, THE ROSIE PROJECT and GIRL IN SNOW, Andrew David MacDonald’s WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS is a poignant and heartfelt debut about 21-year-old Zelda, a young adult who was born on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. Though Zelda is high-functioning and can do things like read and take the bus by herself, she relies on repetitive lists of rules and her own Viking-inspired moral compass to navigate the world. When she decides to stray from her own rules, however, and learns about the ways other people are breaking ones she thought were unbreakable, her entire world is upended, and it is only through her own supreme Viking strength that she is able to right it.

Ever since her mother lost her battle to cancer, Zelda has lived with her older brother, Gert. Once a high school football champion, Gert is now having a bit of a rough patch, which is complicated by his being responsible for Zelda’s well-being and her own fight for independence. Zelda and Gert run a tight ship --- their home is regulated by lists of rules, and their schedules are perfectly aligned so that they will always know where one another is at any given moment. Rounding out their little family is AK47 --- Annie --- who drives a bus to the community center and occasionally dates Gert; Marxy, Zelda’s boyfriend; and Dr. Laird, Zelda’s psychiatrist. But her true constant companion is Kepple’s Guide to the Vikings, a book about Viking lore, legend and mythos that she uses to guide her actions in her everyday life.

At the start of WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS, Zelda is celebrating her 21st birthday. Gert has hired a stripper dressed like a Viking, and Marxy’s mother, Pearl, has dropped him at their apartment for an hour, even though she believes it to be the wrong side of town. Life is going pretty great for Zelda, but she wants more: more freedom, more honesty and more experiences. First and foremost, after sharing their first French kiss, Zelda and Marxy are ready to have sex. Though Gert is horrified by the idea --- both as Zelda’s brother and as her primary caretaker --- it is an important step in Zelda’s life, and draws to the forefront the national conversation about the rights of the mentally and cognitively challenged.

Continuing to take steps towards her independence, Zelda soon discovers that Gert has been lying to her. Although he was awarded a scholarship for college that pays for his education as well as his and Zelda’s housing, he has dropped out of school. When Zelda goes snooping for information, she finds out that not only is Gert dishonest, he is dishonorable and weak (at least in Viking terms) for he has a gun stashed in his room, along with mysterious wads of cash --- oh, and there’s that thing his classmate said about being out of hash. Utterly wrecked by the revelation that her brother is not the strong warrior she once believed him to be, Zelda recruits AK47 (again, Annie) to draw up some new rules for Gert --- and for her. With these in place, Zelda gets a job, takes an important step with her boyfriend, and learns how to become more and more independent, all in the hopes of contributing to her tribe’s hoard and becoming a Legend.

WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS is immediately striking for its language. Zelda is intensely literal, occasionally hysterical and always wiser than she even knows. Her dialogue --- internal and external --- is a sharp staccato, written with no contractions and punctuated by constant definitions of words new to her. MacDonald captures her mind and personality so expertly that I soon found myself falling into Zelda’s way of speaking. Even more captivating is her obsession with Vikings and the way that it informs her life. For example, she knows that all Vikings must complete a series of achievements and challenges in order to become Legends, including winning the heart of a fair maiden. Zelda may not know what “maiden” means, but she knows that she loves Marxy, and so she begins calling him her Fair Maiden. It is an easy nickname to laugh at, but Zelda holds both maidens and Marxy in such high regard that it is more heartwarming than hysterical, and reveals more about Zelda’s beliefs than could possibly be written on the page.

It is this nuanced writing that makes WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS truly shine. MacDonald, writing through the eyes of someone who does not always see the reality of what is in front of her, places just enough context clues in his work so that readers are kept aware, without putting down or making fun of his protagonist. Even during times when the truth seems obvious, Zelda’s lack of fear at asking what exactly is happening puts her in control and leads to some deeply philosophical and wise ponderings. The book is certainly sensitive to its main character and her disabilities, but it is also celebratory of her unique strengths and brilliance.

I should say that the revelations involving the truth about Zelda’s life can be difficult and even painful to read. Before striking out on their own, Zelda and Gert lived with an uncle who Zelda refers to as a “Grendel” --- the worst enemy of a Viking. Add to that the painful reality of Gert’s life becoming a pseudo-parent way too young and being forced to find creative ways to make ends meet, and you have some serious trauma to unpack. But MacDonald handles it all with grace, compassion and honor. Zelda would say he would make a tremendous Viking well on his way to becoming a Legend, and I think that’s the best review imaginable for this beautiful book.

This book is a JOY. It is filled with flesh-and-blood characters that leap right off the page, but best of all is Zelda. It has been a long time since I've found a narrator so endearing.

Perhaps the most powerful thing about this book (and there are many things in this book that are powerful) is the voice. Andrew David MacDonald crafted a voice for Zelda that is distinct and smart, even though we learn that she has fetal alcohol syndrome. By doing this, we don't see Zelda through the lens of her disability, even though the effects of FAS are woven into her narration. It is a job brilliantly well done.

This book was an amazing opportunity to step into the shoes of someone who's experience is very different from my own, but I also know that representation of characters like Zelda and her friends is so important.

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald is a young adult contemporary read. This book stands out from others in it’s genre by boldly having a lead character that suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome which leaves her with cognitive differences which makes for quite a different coming of age contemporary read.

Zelda has always been obsessed with vikings with them being heroes in her eyes but day to day her brother, Gert, has been Zelda’s real life viking raising her on his own. Zelda is thrown though when she discovers Gert hasn’t been being completely truthful and may be up to some dangerous activities.

I have to say I thought Andrew David MacDonald did a wonderful job bringing day to day life alive for a character with cognitive differences. Zelda may have had been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome but I’m sure her character could resonant to other diagnosis such as Autism since there is also a wide spectrum of differences for each diagnosis. I couldn’t help but quickly begin to care for Zelda though and become completely engaged in her story and couldn’t wait for what would happen next so for me this was a great read!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What a beautiful surprising moving book.
I absolutely loved this story!
Thank you for sharing it with me!
Lisa

This book was a unique perspective on a coming-of-age story. This is the story of 21-year-old Zelda, who has fetal alcohol syndrome, and her older brother Gert facing the challenges of poverty and disability.

Zelda has a unique voice in the story and it didn't take me long to be fully immersed in the book. I thought the author handled the disability aspects of the tale very well. I really loved Zelda's character and the way she persevered. Her love of Vikings gave her the framework she needed to reach goals and solve problems. The story kept me turning pages and was filled with very interesting secondary characters too. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to the publisher for an ecopy of this book and exchange for my honest review.

When We Were Vikings is a hard book to review. The book is told from the perspective of Zelda, an adult on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, She lives with her brother, Gert, who is involved with some people who are not good. Zelda views everything through the lens of Vikings, which is a subject she is obsessed with. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the story, because it is choppy and abrupt, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it made it possible for me to see the world through Zelda's eyes. The characters are really well done and I was surprised by how it ended, which doesn't happen very often. This is a great debut!

You ever read a book and it just feels.... weird? Not weird in a bad way, just weird. That feeling stayed with me as I journeyed with Zelda through her quest to become a hero.

When We Were Vikings tells the story of Zelda, a young adult who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. She is very high functioning, yet she still needs help in some areas. She lives with her brother Gert, a very smart but troubled young man, and she has a boyfriend, Marxy. Zelda is obsessed with all things Viking and is on a mission to become a legend in the Viking world. When her brother becomes embroiled in trouble with the local thugs, Zelda uses this as her opportunity to save her brother and become the Viking she believe she should be. In the process, she learns a lot about the world and herself, discovering more than just her Viking calling.

Like I said before, this book just felt odd to me. From the first few pages, I never fully connected with the story or the characters. None of the characters caused me to become attached to them, and I wasn't really surprised or shocked by any of the events of the story. I did enjoy seeing Zelda grow up a bit, becoming more aware of herself and more independent by the story's end.

Overall, it was a good debut novel, but it was easy to see that this was a first novel. If this author publishes more books, I would be inclined to read them. I think readers of all kinds will enjoy this story and following Zelda on her journey of self-discovery.

My thanks to Gallery/Scout Press for an E-ARC of this title.

Zelda, a Viking enthusiast, takes it upon herself to rescue her brother Gert when he involves himself with dangerous people.

While I appreciated that the narrator was non-typical, I found the darkness of this book too unsettling for me. Zelda's quirkiness is definitely lovable and engaging. I loved her character and her way of looking at the world through Viking lore/history. However, I was uncomfortable on more than one occasion. I acknowledge that a lot of my discomfort isn't fair, but it's hard when you're reading about acts that seem inherently adult through the eyes of a child-like narrator.

Thanks to Gallery/Scout Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the 21 read thus far in 2020, this book is my favorite. What a heartwarming tale of Zelda, who dreams of being a Viking warrior princess, her brother, AK47, and her boyfriend. The love of family runs deep, and her support system doesn't let her down. I loved the character development and completely fell in love with Zelda and her journey through this time in her 21 year old life. Know that this book has little to do with actual Vikings, and far more to do with life, love, relationships, family, being kind, and embracing everyone no matter what. So so thankful for the ARC, and can't recommend it enough.

“When We Were Vikings” has been on my radar ever since I heard about it last year. This review won’t be long. This review won’t be overly detailed. Check this book out. It is so heartwarming and beautifully written. 4.5 stars.

*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

3 1/2 stars.

Enjoyed the characters. Very different style of book, writing, and characters for me. The story was engaging, and even though it took me a while to read it, I blame that on a new puppy, not on the book itself.

Would recommend. Feel like if I was able to just delve in and not put it down every ten minutes I'd have rated it higher.

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

When We Were Vikings is novel about Zelda, a 21-year-old born with fetal alcohol syndrome. She lives with her brother, Gert, and is a lover of all things Vikings. Her mother died of cancer when Zelda and Gert were younger. They lived with their uncle for a few years, but then moved out into an apartment of their own. Gert is struggling to make ends meet while also working on his degree and gets caught up in something dangerous. Zelda, a rule follower, is working on becoming a legendary Viking. She has a tribe that she is fiercely loyal to: Gert, Annie (Gert's on/off girlfriend), and Marxy (Zelda's boyfriend). In her quest to be legendary, she decides to get a job at a library to contribute to the tribe. She also gets mixed up in the mess that Gert has created for himself. She has a lot to learn on her quest to be legendary and watching her character grow through mistakes and missteps makes this book worth reading. This is not a light read and gives me The Reckless Oath We Made vibes.

A note on what didn't work well for me. I was not a fan of all the foul language and derogatory terms. For reference, I'm a regular user of many four letter words, but here it sometimes felt very forced and unnecessary. It made the story a bit awkward at times.

Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of this book. I am disappointed in myself that I didn’t get to it sooner, but am glad I found my way back to it.

I know the old adage is that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I was initially drawn to this book by its cover art and requested to read it without having any idea of the basic plot. I was more than pleasantly surprised when I dug in to the story, which was completely different than what I had expected. I think this is a book that will stick with me for a long time.

I’ve seen a lot of comparisons of this book to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, but I think those comparisons are one-dimensional. Not all books about people with cognitive or social deficits are the same. I found this book to be better developed, with more memorable characters.

Zelda, the protagonist of the story, is one of the most likable characters in any book I’ve ever read. I rooted for her when she went on quests to live her legend, I cringed along with her when things went wrong along the way, and I was protectively upset when she was hurt by other characters in the book. She is a complex character, both because of and despite the limitations fetal alcohol syndrome places on her life.

My only criticism is that one of the main plot devices - Zelda trying to figure out what steps she needs to take before completing her legend - seemed contrived at the beginning of the book. It started to seem more natural and realistic for the characters as the novel progressed.

I think good books make you feel things, they make you see things in the world differently than you had before. When We Were Vikings accomplished both of those things for me. And now I need to get started on my own quest of living my legend!

loved Zelda, who suffers from cognitive disabilities as a result of fetal alcohol syndrome, and sympathized with Gert, who had been responsible for her most of her life.

It wasn't the characters that didn't work for me, they were well realized. It was the narrative that bothered me. Also, Zelda's ability to read and retain information,to add and use words to her vocabulary daily, as well as her ability to problem-solve were a little puzzling. I know college-educated adults who would have difficulty reading nonfiction works about Vikings and remembering in detail. Zelda shows both maturity and immaturity in equal measure, almost as if her intellect was fine and only her emotional responses were childlike.

There were parts I loved, but something (I'm not sure exactly what--a kind of ambivalence or doubt that kept creeping in) kept me from wholeheartedly believing.

I do recommend When We Were Vikings. A sense of compassion permeates the story. It is easy to fall in love with Zelda and to admire Gert's commitment to his sister. The support of AK47 and others is another uplifting element to this modern myth of heroes, Valkyries, and villains.

NetGalley/Gallery, Pocket Books
Literary Fiction. Feb. 1, 2020. Print length: 335 pages.

Fascinating and delightful book about a young woman with fetal alcohol syndrome who lives with her brother. Zelda is fascinated by Vikings - their history, their habits, their weaponry and she interprets her life based on what she has learned from her study of Vikings. Zelda's voice is unique, and one that people should hear. I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual book and have already purchased copies for others!

Stories of the bond between siblings always draw me in. I must admit I was initially intrigued by this novel based on the title. Vikings just hold that air of mystery and mystique, you know? Through the eyes of our heroine, Zelda, , a 21-year old with fetal alcohol syndrome, and her brother, Gert, we adventure on a quest that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish every word. Are their lives legendary? Fantastic? Certainly not. They are crazy and real. Through the well-developed characters that struggle at literally every avenue, we can all appreciate people who make our world unique and exciting. I found myself rooting for the characters to make it and be what they so desperately long to be! This novel is sure to be a fantastic hit and it is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, not to be missed!

When We Were Vikings is the sweet "coming of age" story of Zelda, a 21 year old with cognitive issues. Zelda lives with her older brother Gert and loves schedules and rules. Shortly after her 21st birthday Zelda's life starts to get more complicated. Zelda's goal is to protect her clan and become a legend.

I really enjoyed this book and it was very different from anything I had read. My only issue was that while Zelda did not really get social queues and understands words in a very literal way she did not seem to have an overly strong mental retardation. She is meant to be suffering from a level of fetal alcohol syndrome but she is very smart. She has her words of the day program and some of them are very difficult words. There were multiple times where I forgot that she was supposed to have a cognitive problem.

That being said I would recommend this one to any reader.