by Erin Lale
This is another book that I'm going to label as a 101 textbook. It is short, sweet, and to the point, perhaps the one redeeming quality in what I considered to be a lackluster book.
What was Excellent
This book is very good for those, like me, who have little idea what Asatru is, the belief system that comprises it, or the history of its development. This book is a good starting point for gathering that information. Lale goes a bit further than the generic information that many websites provide, and actually gives the reader insight into how those who follow Asatru think, and why. She also gives several list-type chapters, explaining the Asatru view of gods, runes, and codes of behavior.
What isn't so Excellent
What I didn't care for is how Lale doesn't give an objective overview of Asatru. Her personal views color the entirety of the text, and she often gives information that isn't easily verified as anything other than her opinion. For example,
I find this to be more than a little extreme, and hardly impartial. While I understand that all religions have views that those outside it may find odd or extreme, I was very uncomfortable reading this due to Lale's tone in the text. Other examples are prevalent throughout the book.Allowing someone to cut one's hair in exchange for providing one a livelihood is selling oneself into slavery, or agreeing to be that person's whore. From that point forward one has no honor and cannot take oaths such as marriage, or testify in court, until one's owner frees one or one escapes.
In conclusion, I would say that while this book can be useful, I believe there are other books on the same topic that may provide a better, more concise overview of Asatru and would perhaps give more information than a personal slant.
Overall, I rate this book a 1.5 out of 5. blue_dozey
