Published: 2011
Genre: fiction
length: 154 pages
This is a short read but, if you are familiar with Ms. Byatt’s previous works (Possession) you will know it is not an easy read. Worthwhile …but not easy. It is certainly not a Marvel Comic Universe depiction of this ancient Norse myth! In this work, (A novel? A myth? A reflection? An essay?) Ms. Byatt reworks the Norse myths of the end of the world – Ragnarok. It is written from the perspective of the “thin child’, a five-year old, who has been evacuated in wartime England from the big city to the safety of the countryside. In her isolation the child picks up a volume of Norse myths. In the myth of Ragnarok she finds a world of uncertainty that reflects the uncertainty of her own context. The ‘thin child’ is, of course, the author herself and therefore the myth is retold in the language of a masterful author not a child.
My suggestion if you wish to read this book: just let the language wash over you. And in the midst of this beautiful language, you will no doubt be conscious of the challenges Ms. Byatt lays before us – the futility of war, care for our environment, and the fragility of it all.
Ragnarok is available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audio book.
There are descriptions of violence and some sex in this book (Norse Gods are as bad as Greek Gods!).
Janet's theme song should probably be the Beatles' "The Long and Winding Road." She was born in England and raised in Canada. She had a varied career before turning to Ministry. She has found her perfect Church Home at Mapleton Church of Christ (Disciples) where she has served for almost 16 years. She is also the one of the co-pastors of St. Thomas Christian Church. In addition to her church families, she is thoroughly blessed in her son Eric, her daughter-in-law Stephanie and, of course, her beautiful granddaughter Mackenzie. She is one of Roots + Wings’ curators.