When We Were Vikings

Bookseller recommendation

“I could not put this book down. Readers rarely have the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of someone with a disability and experience their lives in a meaningful way. We rarely see people with Down syndrome or fetal alcohol syndrome depicted as truly feeling, flesh-and-blood people who experience love, lust, heartbreak, and disappointment, who face challenges as they strive for their dream. Zelda is my new hero! She is undaunted and unflappable as she grapples with her dreams and life experiences. Your journey with her will be all too brief, but it is one that will stay with you long after you read the last page.”

— Rebecca Gottberg • Rediscovered Books

Bookseller recommendation

“When We Were Vikings is an incredible and beautifully written and narrated story featuring a neurodivergent character. Zelda was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and lives with her older brother after the death of their mother. Barely scaping by, Zelda's brother gets involved with a bad crowd of people and Zelda decides she must help him break away. This story is multi-layered and the complex characters will stay with you long after you have finished listening.”

— Mary • Anderson's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautifully written story of a girl with fetal alcohol syndrome who is looked at by her brother and others as being limited, but they have sorely underestimated her. This book is so well written from the POV of someone who's abilitites are different - it fosters a beautiful understanding and empathy for them. Wonderfully narrated on Libro.fm!”

— Mary • Anderson's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“I listened to this as an audiobook. I loved it! The author presented his characters with such realism, sensitivity and humor. Zelda was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. She has a passion for all that is Viking. She is courageous and smart. Zelda is coming of age and realizing just how powerful she is!”

— Jane • Rediscovered Books