Sunday 6 December 2020

Book Review: Old Norse for Modern Times by Ian Stuart Sharpe (Non-Fiction/Humour)

Title: Old Norse for Modern Times
Author: Ian Stuart Sharpe
Publisher: Outland Entertainment
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Pages: 130
Format:
eBook - EPUB
Genre: Non-Fiction / Humour
Source: ARC via NetGalley

Never be lost for words again...with this book of lost words. Have you ever wanted to wield the silver tongue of Loki, or to hammer home your point like a Thundergod? Old Norse is the language of legends and the stuff of sagas, the inspiration for Tolkien and Marvel, for award-winning manga and epic videogames. It is the language of cleverly crafted kennings, blood-curdling curses, and pithy retorts to Ragnarök. Old Norse for Modern Times gives you the perfect phrase for every contemporary situation—from memorable movie quotes ("We’re going to need a bigger boat." Þurfa munu vér skip stærra) to battle-cries to yell on Discord ("Do I look to be in a gaming mood?" Sýnisk þér ek vera í skapi til leika?), from mead hall musings ("This drink, I like it! ANOTHER!" Líkar mér drykkr þessi! ANNAN!) to tried-and-tested pickup lines ("Nice tattoo!" Fagrt er húðflúrið"). With over 500 phrases inside (plus the chance to add your own!) it is the perfect guide for Vikings fans, whether they are re-enactors, role-players, or simply in love with Ragnar.

 

Old Norse for Modern Times is a fun read for anyone looking to inject a little Viking into their everyday lives. The mix of phrases offered includes everything from navigating social media to chat-up lines and movie quotes. (If you've ever wanted to know how to say you are burdened with glorious purpose in Old Norse, your prayers have been answered.) Some of the sentences had me laughing out loud and I had to read a few especially funny ones to my husband. In conclusion, this is a great book for anyone interested in languages or for fans of MCU or TV series like Vikings. Although I only reviewed the print book, I understand there is also an audio book available for those in need of help with their pronunciation.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

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