Hakon of Rogen's Saga

Hakon of Rogen's Saga #1

by Erik Christian Haugaard

Erik Christian Haugaard's Hakon of Rogen's Saga is a remarkable novel that perfectly catches the mood of a harsh but heroic people. Set at the end of the Viking period, it tells of a young boy, Hakon, from the island of Rogen who, after his chieftain father is murdered, undertakes to reclaim his birthright from his treacherous uncle.

Genres: History, Juvenile, Historical

132 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Erik Haugaard was born in Denmark and has traveled extensively in the United States, Italy, Spain, and Japan. Called "a writer gifted in the art of the storyteller" by the BOSTON GLOBE, he is internationally known for his accomplishments as a playwright, poet, and translator.

Haugaard has written a number of acclaimed works for young adults that transport readers back to a time and place in history that placed upon children burdens nearly unimaginable to the contemporary North American adolescent. Religious strife, World War II, and feudal Japan are just some of the settings Haugaard has explored in his books, which usually feature a child whose hardships are made all the worse due to the loss of parents or other guardians.

Reviews

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty short, but engaging - I'm going to go right on to the sequel. I had never read any Haugaard, but I really liked this. It's quite philosophical at times, and he writes in an interesting way that seems to be Viking flavored (at least for this reader who has never read any serious Norse literature). The story moves along very quickly, and nothing about this book is prolonged or sluggish. Thoughtful kids from about age 10 could appreciate it.

Illustrations by the Dillons are stunning - so distinctive! Again, like the writing - they aren't copies or imitations, but do give a flavor of Viking art while being very original.

[Kendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author’s preface:

‘It was not written for “youth,” in the sense that I blunted my pen before I started. I abhor those writers who have not the skill to keep the attention of adults, and therefore think themselves equipped to write for children.’

Ten times the vigor and elan of any of the thin-blooded stuff that passes for YA today; beautifully worked.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a boy in the Viking period whose father has the birthright. He captures a bride and returns to his island. The next year the bride is recaptured and the father killed. His wicked brother deposes Hakon, the rightful ruler, but he regains power over the island. Semi-exciting book. Different look at the Viking period.

[Katharine Wibell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written in the 60s, this book did recreate the feel of the Icelandic sagas. Using relatively common themes from the 9th, 10th, and 11th centuries, the story of Hakon was presented in a way that modern readers could enjoy the type of writing and story telling found hundreds of years earlier.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read middle grade novel that doesn't read like it's for kids. I loved the story of young Hakon, caught in a political struggle between his father and uncle for the island of Rogen.

It's very short and to the point, but I think a lot of kids would love the adventure and the descriptions of the island. It's just gory and violent enough to appease older kids, but won't traumatize the younger ones.

[Peter Kuntz]

I recall reading this book as excerpted (or perhaps contained fully) in an elementary level reading textbook in the mid-to-late 1960s. Not sure I realized it was a separately published book. Sound familiar to others?

[Jennieowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Viking adventure.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book long ago, in high school. That's too far back to remember the specifics of the story. But I will say that I remembered this book fondly. I've ordered a used copy and will read it again. Then I'll update this review. I'm looking forward to revisiting this tale of Viking adventure!

***Update after reading it again***

I don't give out five stars very much anymore. I was predisposed to love this book based upon my memories from freshman year high school. Thirty years later, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. That's got to be worth five stars.

It's a simple story, simply told. You're not going to be "blown away" by a crazy plot twist. But you will be pulling for Hakon, the hero, the whole time. Hakon is your narrator and his voice sounds so authentic, you could easily be convinced this was a real Viking talking to you. There is a pearl of Viking wisdom on nearly every page. It almost gets to be too much at times. Don't let that dissuade you from this book. You can find it cheaply online and it will fill a few hours of your day with a story of treachery and vengeance in the Viking age.

Thanks to Goodreads, I discovered there was a sequel to this book. I ordered it right away and can't wait to read it!

[Callsign222 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good children's book that is pleasant reading for adults. Good vanquishes over Bad, but bad things need to be done first to accomplish such deeds. Resilience would be a theme. A surprise find, and a pleasing one at that. Going next to "The Long Ships."

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, for the impeccable writing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10 year old gave it 4 stars because he doesn't like it when books end in cliffhangers (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!), but he really liked the book otherwise.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Year read is approximate. I read a lot of Haugaard's books in Junior High.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's classic that I had never read. Haugaard gives a good feel for the small island at the mercy of winds, weather and invaders. Not as compelling as I had hoped but very atmospheric.