I just finished reading a new book – a book that was unique, in that the author looked at genealogy, and family history in a way that most of us might not think of. When I began reading the book I had to wonder where she was going with this tale! The book had “Family Tree” in the title, but it seemed to be much more than that.
First, Lori Erikson plays fast and loose with the term “ancestor.” When she began writing about her ancestor, Leif Erikson, my first thought was that she wasn’t descended from Leif at all – even if her name was Erikson. How dare her! How could she call him her ancestor? You see, I’m a crusty old genealogist who believes that we must have proof. But as I read, I found that this woman was onto something. I’ve now been inspired to do some of the same kind of research that she has done – only for my ancestors who lived in Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, England, Sweden and Denmark – and yes, even America.
Ms. Erickson researched the stories, the myths, the culture, and all things Norwegian. Sure – she did genealogy research as the rest of us do, but she was much more interested in the big picture. She wanted to understand the spiritual side of the family tree – not just the religious records of the last 500 years that genealogists seek, but the stuff of beliefs that are over 2000 years old.
Key for me to understand Ms. Erikson’s point of view was the “Norse concept of hamingja, sometimes translated as luck or fortune. It was believed that a person’s hamingja was a female entity that carried the soul of the family. …the spirit was typically passed down through family lines.” I like the concept.
Topics found throughout the books include travel to Norway, as well as visitation of reenactments, and a Viking longboat.
I loved the book. If you have Norwegian ancestry, this is one you don’t want to be without. But a Viking connection isn’t required to enjoy a good read.
The book is 224 numbered pages, and the soft bound edition sells for $16.29 at Amazon, with free Amazon Prime shipping. Click here to Order.
Full disclosure – I was given a free copy of the book to review, and purchase of the book by clicking on the link or the illustration would put a very small percentage in my account with Amazon.