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The Last Generation
Ben Robertson. Menadena Publishing, $16.95 paper (390p) ISBN 978-0-9835268-0-3
In this historical coming-of-age story, Robertson spins a tale regarding the “last generation” of Viking-descended Greenlanders, those who vanished around the start of the 16th century. In 1501, 17-year-old Bridget Thorsdottir is one of those eking out an existence in an increasingly hostile, resource-starved region, as the ice gradually spreads to cover the Eastern Colony. When Bridget learns that her people are to travel to the New World to establish a fishing colony in Newfoundland, Bridget’s father refuses to go, but Bridget sees opportunity. She strikes out on her own with her stepbrother, Bjorn, but when their father is arrested for supposed sorcery, they turn back to rescue him, little realizing that they’ll have to fight for their lives. Robertson writes with a keen eye for atmosphere and a knack for historical research and description, and his story skillfully plays against the conflict between Christian and pagan beliefs, as well as the ethnic clash between Norse and Inuit peoples. However, the narrative suffers from repetitive, stilted dialogue and a meandering plot; Robertson’s prose doesn’t always match up to his worldbuilding. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly on 01/23/2015

Release date 09/01/2014

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