Becca Hoosier
asked:
Appropriate age level? I haven't read this yet and this book was in a pile donated from a family friend for my classroom library.
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The 13th Warrior,
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Rebecca A.
I think if someone can read it, they should. There is violence and sex, but the sex is referred to, and none of the violence is as horrible as what can be found on television and in movies nowadays.
Adrian Johnson
I think young people would find this book tedious. It is for adults who like history, and intelligent mythology.
Suden Käpälä
Actually, far be it from me to censor anything. In that way, and foremost, I fully agree with Rebecca! I think, as an epic adventure, it might appeal to a younger audience (as opposed to how Adrian sees it), but Adrian is right in the emphases (so it may appeal to youngsters who are interested in those things, and in 'thinking material'). However, as a side note -- there are some graphic horror elements; which is very appropriate to the story, but does contain some 'gory' descriptions.
Also, the manner in which sex (indeed, only superficially mentioned) is integrated in these vikings' society may -- and should? -- raise some questions, I think, with younger readers. (Slaves are often 'used' for sex; but it is often described that these vikings never coerce, force, or hurt their slaved or sexual partners. But still.) It would be good to be able to guide/explain this. I think only casual/remote guidance is needed here, since 'the heart is in the right place'. Asking some questions: what did you think about how women were treated -- would we do that today? Could it be worse/better? How did other cultures treat their slaves? What did you think of the violence -- was it scary? What did you think of the vikings' bravery? Did you notice when they were afraid, and how they suppressed/why they accepted those fears?)
Some statements are made about the vikings' world views, and how this affects their philosophies. Surprising wisdom comes to light! I found it extremely enlightening to be able to read/deduce how this strange culture's world view influenced their life in a positive manner. This may help open one's mind to other cultures' 'peculiar' customs, through first trying to understand the underlying reasons.
Everything is written from first person, but in an observative manner. Only some of the internal fears of the narrator are voiced emotionally; to me as a mature reader, Fadlan's vertigo and fear of getting hurt comes across as more menacing than the actual chopped-off ears and other body parts (because he describes the latter more distantly). That is a plus side to the above. But since this comes across as -- and is supposed to be -- a fictional but historically possibly accurate novella, I think both violence and love-life should be seen in the light of the (very ancient) times it is set in. The many side- and foot-notes will already address some concerns (but, possibly, not all). If (younger) pupils might possibly have a hard time doing this on their own, then it is very much worth it to guide them a little bit through this wonderful, rich, and educational, short book!
EDIT: In my enthusiasm, I answered this question when I still had some 20p to go in the book, myself. I am forced to add to the above, that I think the final battle (p137) has some overly gruesome death scenes -- and not only of warriors. This may be shocking to sensitive or young people. (I found it a bit "much", myself. I'm not young.)
I certainly stand by my opinion that this is great and educational reading; but be aware, and provide guidance. Perhaps first read it yourself (I didn't feel the need to suggest this earlier) if you intend to make it available to anyone below, say, 15? But please, do make it available. The world is better off with novels like these, spreading cultural awareness and planting the seeds of building bridges.
Also, the manner in which sex (indeed, only superficially mentioned) is integrated in these vikings' society may -- and should? -- raise some questions, I think, with younger readers. (Slaves are often 'used' for sex; but it is often described that these vikings never coerce, force, or hurt their slaved or sexual partners. But still.) It would be good to be able to guide/explain this. I think only casual/remote guidance is needed here, since 'the heart is in the right place'. Asking some questions: what did you think about how women were treated -- would we do that today? Could it be worse/better? How did other cultures treat their slaves? What did you think of the violence -- was it scary? What did you think of the vikings' bravery? Did you notice when they were afraid, and how they suppressed/why they accepted those fears?)
Some statements are made about the vikings' world views, and how this affects their philosophies. Surprising wisdom comes to light! I found it extremely enlightening to be able to read/deduce how this strange culture's world view influenced their life in a positive manner. This may help open one's mind to other cultures' 'peculiar' customs, through first trying to understand the underlying reasons.
Everything is written from first person, but in an observative manner. Only some of the internal fears of the narrator are voiced emotionally; to me as a mature reader, Fadlan's vertigo and fear of getting hurt comes across as more menacing than the actual chopped-off ears and other body parts (because he describes the latter more distantly). That is a plus side to the above. But since this comes across as -- and is supposed to be -- a fictional but historically possibly accurate novella, I think both violence and love-life should be seen in the light of the (very ancient) times it is set in. The many side- and foot-notes will already address some concerns (but, possibly, not all). If (younger) pupils might possibly have a hard time doing this on their own, then it is very much worth it to guide them a little bit through this wonderful, rich, and educational, short book!
EDIT: In my enthusiasm, I answered this question when I still had some 20p to go in the book, myself. I am forced to add to the above, that I think the final battle (p137) has some overly gruesome death scenes -- and not only of warriors. This may be shocking to sensitive or young people. (I found it a bit "much", myself. I'm not young.)
I certainly stand by my opinion that this is great and educational reading; but be aware, and provide guidance. Perhaps first read it yourself (I didn't feel the need to suggest this earlier) if you intend to make it available to anyone below, say, 15? But please, do make it available. The world is better off with novels like these, spreading cultural awareness and planting the seeds of building bridges.
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