Land, by Bjorn Larssen, is his follow-up novel to his highly acclaimed Children. It is no less amazing, indeed, I’d say it is even better. I’ll explain shortly. It is also an intensely emotional, even traumatic, story. I had to read it in stages, engaging for too long felt like watching one of those films where you need a box of tissues handy. I’m not going to lie, there were occasions (sometimes it was a single sentence) that brought a lump to my throat.
The story is complex but, in short, Maya and Magni are its two protagonists who are hampered by their own ignorance and must deflect the endless pressures that demand answers from them. It relies on a great deal of Norse mythology but has given it new meaning quite often, mythical characters are seen in a modern context. They remain equally as powerful, unpleasant and hurtful but their reasoning and actions has a modern edge we can see in others now.
Their goal is to conquer a new version of Asgard but you’re never too sure if their personal challenges may be even greater and get in the way. Maya’s immense power is amorphous, uncertain and unpredictable. Magni, Thor's powerful son, is trapped in a love spell with a slave, Thorolf. Both are too traumatised by their experiences to be able to express and sustain their love.
It's Magni’s story that had me blubbing. After everything he goes through, you just want him to be happy. Yet events, other people and his own trauma constantly create road blocks.
All this sounds like a story that is depressing to read. It could be, very easily. Yet, not in the hands of Bjorn Larssen. Sure, this story is visceral in the mental and physical pain inflicted on its characters. At the same time, the humour that defines the author’s voice, is there. It’s wry, touching, ironic. It complements the heartache perfectly. The classic, one-minute-you’re-crying, the-next-minute-you’re-laughing tone. There’s a “throwaway” quality to his humour that I love, a touch so light you might miss it. Subtle word play.
In addition, the prose is exquisite. I rarely use that word. It applies here. As a writer, I found myself re-reading certain sentences to appreciate the quality. Places where you think, that is gorgeous. More often, where I decide I bloody hate Bjorn Larssen for writing something so beautiful. The guy has achieve all kinds of plaudits for Children – Land will be the same and rightly so.
Land is a story with emotional arcs so large, so wide-ranging, so varied and colourful, it is a multi-hued rainbow. One that can sometimes contain shadows and darkness through which you must travel to reach the light.
Bjorn Larssen's website is here:
Buy the book from Amazon here:
Phil Parker writes fantasy stories. Click on the image to find out more about them.
