Eaters of the Dead
by Michael Crichton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael CrichtonEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-04-28
ISBN: 0061782637
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Harper
Book Reviews of Eaters of the Dead
Book Review: I loved it
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit I was a little sceptical when I first heard of this book. I had heard of ibn Fadlan mostly through my studies of Turkish as though ibn Fadlan is best known for giving one of the earliest accounts of the Viking people he is also known for giving account of the Bulgar's and other Turkic peoples of the Volga. So when I heard that his historical journey had been put into novel form I was to say the least a little bit distrustful.
Well I shouldn't have been! The author has done a wonderful job of taking a historical figure and weaving a unique story around him. Our ibn Fadlan in this book is sent to the Volga as an emissary of the Caliph after having an affair with a married woman. Sent in disgrace on a mission it was assumed he would be unlikely to return from he meets up with Viking traders who on the death of their king receive a messenger who requests they return to fend off an ancient enemy who is again terrorising the lands. After consulting with a "wise woman" It is decided that 13 should return, one of these however should be a foreigner and unfortunately for ibn Fadlan he is conveniently picked as that said forigner. So begins his journey north to fight along side men whose language he barely knew, whose customs he found foul to say the least and whose religion he could only barely comprehend. This book is a real page turner. Made into a film (The 13th Warrior) There are a few minor differences in the book (For example the mention of "Sea monsters" (Whales) In the book) In the book they consult with Dwarves rather than the "Angel of Death" and ibn Fadlan throughout the book could only make out parts of the Viking language and still needed a translator (In the film he managed to pick the language up) Also I felt in the book he didnt come across as much of an incompetent as he did in the film.
All in all this is a really enjoyable read. I would say it is in no way intended to be taken seriously (Some people have assumed that this is in fact ibn Fadlans book) But rather as a wonderful exciting novel. The author has done a great job even supplying so called "Historical notes" To the book to give it a little extra authenticity. It all just adds to it.
I found it a great read and recommend it.
Summary of Eaters of the Dead
The year is A.D. 922. A refined Arab courtier, representative of the powerful Caliph of Baghdad, encounters a party of Viking warriors who are journeying to the barbaric North. He is appalled by their Viking customs?the wanton sexuality of their pale, angular women, their disregard for cleanliness . . . their cold-blooded human sacrifices. But it is not until they reach the depths of the Northland that the courtier learns the horrifying and inescapable truth: He has been enlisted by these savage, inscrutable warriors to help combat a terror that plagues them?a monstrosity that emerges under cover of night to slaughter the Vikings and devour their flesh . . .
Michael Crichton takes the listener on a one-thousand-year-old journey in his adventure novel Eaters Of The Dead. This remarkable true story originated from actual journal entries of an Arab man who traveled with a group of Vikings throughout northern Europe. In 922 A.D, Ibn Fadlan, a devout Muslim, left his home in Baghdad on a mission to the King of Saqaliba. During his journey, he meets various groups of "barbarians" who have poor hygiene and gorge themselves on food, alcohol and sex. For Fadlan, his new traveling companions are a far stretch from society in the sophisticated "City of Peace." The conservative and slightly critical man describes the Vikings as "tall as palm trees with florid and ruddy complexions." Fadlan is astonished by their lustful aggression and their apathy towards death. He witnesses everything from group orgies to violent funeral ceremonies. Despite the language and cultural barriers, Ibn Fadlan is welcomed into the clan. The leader of the group, Buliwyf (who can communicate in Latin) takes Fadlan under his wing.
Without warning, the chieftain is ordered to haul his warriors back to Scandinavia to save his people from the "monsters of the mist." Ibn Fadlan follows the clan and must rise to the occasion in the battle of his life.--Gina Kaysen
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