(reprinted under the title The Thirteenth Warrior)
Story: A fictionalized account taken from the manuscript of an Arabic ambassador to the court of the Caliph of Baghdad. Ahmad Ibn Fadlan was sent north as the ambassador to the King of the Bulgars but was diverted along the way. His account of his exploits with the Norsemen he encountered was published, lost, and then found again centuries later. Crichton’s retelling was eventually made into the film The Thirteenth Warrior.
Review: Crichton begins by explaining in excruciating detail about how and where he found this story, as well as his reasoning behind retelling it. He seems to have put a great deal of effort into researching the book, which always wins an author extra points with me. I enjoyed the film version, especially Antonio Banderas’ portrayal of Ibn Fadlan, but as usual the book is better.
One must admit that it is a fascinating tale, told in the first-person by a man who obviously had very little understanding of the people he encountered. It is interesting that Ibn Fadlan felt he was somehow being punished by his caliph by taking this ambassadorial pilgrimage but realized personal redemption through his travels.
While the retelling is apparently highly fictionalized, Crichton manages to make it quite interesting and relevant. The film version tends to trivialize the hardships of travel in 922 CE (common era), while the book spells them out well. It is basically a fish out of water story, with some really cool information about how the old Norsemen (Vikings) lived and interacted. Ibn Fadlan’s confusion reigns supreme throughout the story, but his eventual acceptance and understanding make him a sympathetic character. It is not difficult at all to believe that there really were people like the eaters of the dead, and communities like the one Ibn Fadlan and his compatriots are tasked to protect.
All in all, this is a good read for those who have a passing interest in ancient world travels, Vikings, or who just enjoy Michael Crichton’s storytelling style. Think of it as “Beowulf” as told from a Middle Eastern point of view.
Year: 1976
Author: Michael Crichton
Publisher: Ballantine
Pages: 278
