What an amazing read! This is the tale of Omat whose grandfather is an angakkuq (shaman is a more understandable ). Since his son died he has adopted Omat and raised her as his son. Her unusual ability to communicate with the dieties in their environment has uniquely prepared her for a role as an angakkuq. For much of her childhood she believes she is a boy and devotes herself to the studies and practices to prepare her for this role. She also becomes as skilled a hunter as the men and boys in her clan.
The details of life in the frozen north is breathtaking and draws the reader quickly into that life. And, when Omat's starving clan encounters an egotistic man who cheats to win the clan's favor, Omat's real gender is uncovered and she is shamed. The man takes her as a wife and leaves the clan to hunt whales. Accompanying Omat is her grandfather's lead dog which escapes and has three puppies which become Omat's companions. The man and his group are killed by Vikings visiting the coasts and Omat finds herself alone in the wilderness with the young dogs.
As she travels she discovers a wounded Viking. Aiding the wounded man the two become friends. Omat has once again assumed her role as a man and gains his respect and confidence. As the two learn each other's language they become familiar with each other's gods and the roles they play in their lives. Suffice it to say there Vikings who are enemies of her Viking who capture the two.
As the story unfolds the gods of both groups fight and Omat must make difficult choices to help her family surive. This read kept me glued to the pages until I finished all of its 548 pages. Awesome read rich with detail, mythology and fascinating facts.
The details of life in the frozen north is breathtaking and draws the reader quickly into that life. And, when Omat's starving clan encounters an egotistic man who cheats to win the clan's favor, Omat's real gender is uncovered and she is shamed. The man takes her as a wife and leaves the clan to hunt whales. Accompanying Omat is her grandfather's lead dog which escapes and has three puppies which become Omat's companions. The man and his group are killed by Vikings visiting the coasts and Omat finds herself alone in the wilderness with the young dogs.
As she travels she discovers a wounded Viking. Aiding the wounded man the two become friends. Omat has once again assumed her role as a man and gains his respect and confidence. As the two learn each other's language they become familiar with each other's gods and the roles they play in their lives. Suffice it to say there Vikings who are enemies of her Viking who capture the two.
As the story unfolds the gods of both groups fight and Omat must make difficult choices to help her family surive. This read kept me glued to the pages until I finished all of its 548 pages. Awesome read rich with detail, mythology and fascinating facts.
