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Gone Viking

Gone Viking by Helen Russell


*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Frazzled mum Alice Ray likes to think she’s on top everything – she has FOUR bags-for-life in the boot of her car for heaven's sake. But after spectacularly embarrassing herself at work, she finally gives in to her sister’s pleas to take a much needed break.
But this is not the luxury spa holiday Alice hoped for – instead, she finds herself in Denmark, in the middle of nowhere, on a ‘How to be a Viking’ getaway.
Can the two sisters finally learn to get along or will learning to embrace their inner warrior just make them better at fighting?


Review
This book had zany characters and hilarious situations, but also some tender, heartfelt moments. It also made me want to craft a sword and build a boat and be a Viking!

Alice is a very uptight woman who has a tragic past. Her way of dealing with that--with anything really--is to push it deep down and carry on. However, that path has led her to a place where she isn't happy. Her sister Melissa is the complete opposite of Alice, personality wise. Joining them on their Viking expedition are two other women, older and big buxom Tricia, and rich, beautiful overachiever Margot. Together they find themselves in the Danish wilderness--barefoot--learning how to be a Viking.

I enjoyed learning a little more about Viking culture, both historic and modern. While Magnus, the instructor, is totally absurd, after he falls to some mild berry poisoning his wife Inge steps in, and the women really begin to thrive and develop as characters. There are nine principles of being a true Viking, honesty being the most important, and the one with which Alice struggles the most.

While experiencing some truly ridiculous situations that had me literally laughing out loud, Alice and her sister Melissa must come to terms with their shared tragic past, and grow together again as new challenges face them. I thought their relationship, conversations, and growth were really well done (even though I felt like Melissa was kind of a jerk a lot of the time).

This book is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. Overall, I thought it was a quick and easy, sweet and fun book with sisterly love that encourages you to live your most genuine life and to be strong! 


Rating
I give this book 3 stars.


Details
Genre: Contemporary.
Language: Some strong language.
Sex: Discussed, but no explicit sex scenes.
Violence: None.


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