Feats on the Fiord: The third book in "The Playfellow"

by Harriet Martineau

Harriet Martineau was a 19th century political theorist often referred to as the first sociologist. She wrote a number of works on social theory during the middle of the 1800s, and she was influential across Europe.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Childrens, School

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1841

About the author

Harriet Martineau (1802 - 1876) was an English writer and philosopher, renowned in her day as a controversial journalist, political economist, abolitionist and life-long feminist. Martineau has also been called the first female sociologist and the first female journalist in England.

Comprehensive list of her works with links to digitized versions here.

Reviews

[Adelaide Mcginnity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is ostensibly what passed for a children's book in the 1840s. Boy, do I wish I was a child then. Not only is this better than any middle grade I have ever read, it is also far superior to any other book I have read published in the literary desert that existed in English language literature between the death of Austin and the emergence of George Eliot. The plot is crisp; the characters pop out of the pages, and the focus is amazingly tight given the literary conventions of the era. But where Martineau really shines is in her impeccable control of setting and mood. To call it immersive is to understate its sublimity. This reads like Norway.

If you can find a copy, read it immediately.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Nordic tale of love and heroism.

[Jatina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being included in the Playfellow, I expected Feats on the Fiord to be a sequel to the The Crofton Boys. By the time I realized my mistake, I was already wrapped up in the story of Erica, who seems doomed to destroy her own happiness by her belief in water sprites, wood demons and the spirit of the wind, Nipen. These superstitious beliefs are presented as figments of her imagination, yet REAL fears she must deal with. Through her suffering (both real and imagined) and the adventures of her betrothed, Rolf, it is a joy to watch her mature into wisdom. I enjoyed the characters very much, from old, blind Peder and his wife Ulla to the young rambunctious Oddo. I fell in love with the countryside of Norway, especially the "seater", where they drive their cattle each spring to feed upon the mountain wildflowers, in order to make a particular cheese from the milk. This is a story that will appeal to boys for the bravery of the men in daring rescues, fighting pirates, being stranded on an island and caring for the farm. It will be equally appealing to girls, as the main character is a girl who must overcome her fears and hardships. And for parents who prefer romance-free reading for their children, this fits the bill nicely. Although much of the plot is centered around the engagement of Erica and Rolf, it is discussed as an event in the course of life, not in an emotional way that would stir up romantic feelings in the reader.