The Book of I by David Greig
The Viking Age, a period marked by Norsemen raids and trade, serves as the backdrop for a compelling narrative of survival, faith, and redemption. Three distinct characters emerge from the shadows of this tumultuous era, each bearing their own burdens and stories. Brother Martin, a young monk, is one of the few survivors of a brutal massacre at a monastery. This experience challenges his faith and spirituality, and as you read it, you will witness his internal struggles. Una, a beekeeper, gets the opportunity to escape her brute of a husband due to the raid, and after years of enduring brutality, she is determined to find a new path. It’s not easy, but a better life is ahead. Then there is Griuir, who was a Norse raider left for dead. He struggles with guilt over his participation in the violent raid, the Viking legacy, and he looks to reconcile his violent actions with a desire for atonement. With the emotional journey through the beautiful landscapes of Scotland, the author does an exceptional job of writing these characters’ personal growth and redemption. I did some additional research on the Viking age to understand more, and it did not disappoint me. It reminds me of other books I have read on enduring the power of redemption and the capacity for change in all of us. Beautiful!
The Book of I by David Greig, (List Price: $17.95, Europa Editions, 9798889661979, March 2026)
Reviewed by VaLinda, Turning Page Bookshop in Charleston, South Carolina
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I hope I don’t give too much away, but I was quite inspired by Witness, with Harrison Ford amongst the Amish. I was really interested in this idea of a gangster amongst peacemakers, which is really what Witness is. I find that really fascinating. I became interested in Celtic Christianity because it was very revolutionary at the time in ways that we slightly forget. This was a world of utter warlordism, a very, very violent world and it was pagan. All of that was predicated on the idea that it was good to be strong and kill people. If gods were with you, that’s what would happen. If gods weren’t with you, you’d be weak. The idea of a religion that was founded on the idea that you might want to be weak, or you might want to be humble, was completely insane to these people. I mean, they looked at it and just went, “You’re mad! What are you talking about?”
