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thecaptain's review
2.0
2.5 stars
Enjoyed the history, but expected more Viking-viking history rather than descendants. Also a lot about the men and little about women. And the second half became very focused on America.
Enjoyed the history, but expected more Viking-viking history rather than descendants. Also a lot about the men and little about women. And the second half became very focused on America.
emsterino19's review
4.0
An interesting take on the spread of Viking and Scandinavian culture throughout the world. This book contains a ton of interesting information, but sometimes I felt it went a little long and took some rabbit trails. For example, the extensive description of The USS Monitor’s first battle, as it was designed by a Swedish man.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
richardrbecker's review
4.0
The Viking Heart is a compelling story of discovery, conquest, and history as it unravels the exhaustive role Scandinvanians helped shape and influence the world today. It begins with the fierce raiders in the 8th century and tracks them into the modern times, specifically economic structures developed after World War II.
Herman accomplishes this task in two ways — sweeping histories that follow the Vikings from the shores of the supposedly undiscovered Americas to the northern reaches of Africa by way of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and miniature individual biographies of men and women who were the heroes of other countries but also of Scandinavian descent (mainly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland but sometimes from Germany, France, England, and even Russia). I was more a fan of the former treatments than the latter, feeling that Herman sometimes overreaches to claim people who may or may not have identified with their Viking ancestors.
Case in point, Herman invests considerable time with Charles Lindbergh as Lindbergh was the son of a Swedish immigrant. And yet, Lindbergh was chiefly American (and somewhat German if we count a double life that resulted in seven more children with three different women between 58 and 67). So while the account fits, it doesn't distinguish (nor can it) which influences Lindberg may be inherited from a Norse connection and which from being raised in Melrose, Minn. Lindberg isn't alone. Still, he is identifiable enough to wonder whether someone someday will line me up as a Native American, German, or any other DNA traces I possess.
Nay, for me, the Viking story plays out better on a grand scale. Knowing about their conquests and their ability to assimilate to other cultures is enough. Whether Rus or Norman or Scott or German, the case is made without cherry-picking a few solo actors from history to drive the point home. But then again, doing so is part of Herman's motivation at times, especially when he paints the Scandinavian heart as especially socialistic while neglecting the Norse need to leave an individual (not just societal) legacy. Ergo, they are among several countries that have measured their society by the individuals they have produced.
Aside from those two ramblings — claims on individuals and praise of socialism — that would have shortened the work, the balance of the book is exciting and enlightening. All too often, modern entertainment paints Vikings are rugged berserkers when, in fact, they were also intuitive, inventive, and well ahead of the world in terms of law, exploration, and gender equality. And this is what makes The Viking Heart such a strong read overall. It's fun to consider just how influential Vikings were to the world we live in today.
Ideal for history buffs and anyone interested in Vikings, this is a story of a people who are often fearless in their quest for freedom. Readers won't look at Vikings the same way again.
Herman accomplishes this task in two ways — sweeping histories that follow the Vikings from the shores of the supposedly undiscovered Americas to the northern reaches of Africa by way of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and miniature individual biographies of men and women who were the heroes of other countries but also of Scandinavian descent (mainly from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland but sometimes from Germany, France, England, and even Russia). I was more a fan of the former treatments than the latter, feeling that Herman sometimes overreaches to claim people who may or may not have identified with their Viking ancestors.
Case in point, Herman invests considerable time with Charles Lindbergh as Lindbergh was the son of a Swedish immigrant. And yet, Lindbergh was chiefly American (and somewhat German if we count a double life that resulted in seven more children with three different women between 58 and 67). So while the account fits, it doesn't distinguish (nor can it) which influences Lindberg may be inherited from a Norse connection and which from being raised in Melrose, Minn. Lindberg isn't alone. Still, he is identifiable enough to wonder whether someone someday will line me up as a Native American, German, or any other DNA traces I possess.
Nay, for me, the Viking story plays out better on a grand scale. Knowing about their conquests and their ability to assimilate to other cultures is enough. Whether Rus or Norman or Scott or German, the case is made without cherry-picking a few solo actors from history to drive the point home. But then again, doing so is part of Herman's motivation at times, especially when he paints the Scandinavian heart as especially socialistic while neglecting the Norse need to leave an individual (not just societal) legacy. Ergo, they are among several countries that have measured their society by the individuals they have produced.
Aside from those two ramblings — claims on individuals and praise of socialism — that would have shortened the work, the balance of the book is exciting and enlightening. All too often, modern entertainment paints Vikings are rugged berserkers when, in fact, they were also intuitive, inventive, and well ahead of the world in terms of law, exploration, and gender equality. And this is what makes The Viking Heart such a strong read overall. It's fun to consider just how influential Vikings were to the world we live in today.
Ideal for history buffs and anyone interested in Vikings, this is a story of a people who are often fearless in their quest for freedom. Readers won't look at Vikings the same way again.
historynerd04's review
4.0
There is an abundance of books about Scandinavian history on the market these days, but this one is, by far, the most expansive. Starting back in prehistory and running through time - giving a solid pause in recounting stories of immigrants to the US and Canada in the 1800s and 1900s - this book feels like it should lose its footing in all the ground it covers. Instead, it does the opposite. Much like the Vikings of the Viking age, this ship stays its course but does seem to hit choppy water once it reaches the chapters on WWII and [in]famous Scandinavian descendants of the early 1900s. The author leans in too hard on the sanitization of some 1st generation Scandinavians with checkered pasts, namely Lindbergh and Volstead (yes, of that certain prohibitive act).
Education, and its importance amongst Scandinavians and their descendants in the US, could be argued as a vital part of the Viking heart. I was disappointed to see very few words about the colleges and universities set up by those of Viking descent here in the US alone. Luther College, a few seminaries, and St. Olaf are mentioned in passing but no words dedicated to the other Scandinavian (and Lutheran) established halls of higher learning.
Despite these quibbles, this is a sprawling, fascinating read where little nuggets of info pop up in unusual places (for example, did you know the Thames was once an ancient tributary to the Rhine?) and I found myself highlighting a lot!
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me e a free copy for review.
Education, and its importance amongst Scandinavians and their descendants in the US, could be argued as a vital part of the Viking heart. I was disappointed to see very few words about the colleges and universities set up by those of Viking descent here in the US alone. Luther College, a few seminaries, and St. Olaf are mentioned in passing but no words dedicated to the other Scandinavian (and Lutheran) established halls of higher learning.
Despite these quibbles, this is a sprawling, fascinating read where little nuggets of info pop up in unusual places (for example, did you know the Thames was once an ancient tributary to the Rhine?) and I found myself highlighting a lot!
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me e a free copy for review.
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