My latest novel ‘Daughter of Doom’ was published in Dutch this summer. It takes places in the ninth century, the so-called Viking Age. In these dark times, a Viking girl and a young Flemish nun have the adventure of a lifetime.
Synopsis (courtesy of Flanders Literature).
Denmark, 870 AD. Yrsa is a tough Viking girl with a club foot who won’t let herself be pushed around. She turns out to be a seer, which makes her even more of an outsider. When her father and his men return from a raid with a nun, who’s also a king’s granddaughter, Yrsa is tasked with looking after the hostage. The two girls and everything they believe in couldn’t be more different. And yet, slowly a friendship develops between Yrsa and Sister Job. When the nun is raped and she and Yrsa leave the perpetrator for dead, they’re forced to flee. Can they escape the wrath of Yrsa’s clan? Can they escape their fate?
The Flemish newspaper ‘De Standaard’ described it as an extraordinary young adult novel and it earned a spot in their top 5 young adult novels of 2022. The novel also made the longlist of the yearly Boon award.
A compelling historical adventure full of exciting, filmic scenes. Van Rijckeghem proves yet again that he’s one of the best writers in the genre. – Trouw (Dutch newspaper)
Gripping from start to finish. – Jaap Leest
“It is hard to imagine any reader not being absolutely carried away by this story of two girls—one a disabled but incredibly brave Viking, the other her proud Christian hostage—battling the most brutal forces of medieval Europe to save each other. Men, gods, and faith all conspire to kill or enslave Yrsa and Job, but at every turn they prove they’re smarter and braver than everyone around them. An exciting, engaging and wonderfully inspiring page-turner for any teen or adult!”
—Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books
Van Rijckeghem (Ironhead, or Once a Young Lady) offers a sweeping, atmospheric story of faith and friendship set against a tumultuous world that juxtaposes the violence of Yrsa’s peoples’ Viking raiding parties with the perceived serenity of Job’s station. Though the slow-burning tale features a large cast, it never loses sight of its two heroines and their steadfast bond. – Publishers Weekly.
Readers interested in Viking times will appreciate the detailed descriptions of everyday customs—which included enslaving people of various cultures and ages—and the interwoven lore of Norse gods and goddesses. Yrsa and Job gradually learn to appreciate aspects of each other’s beliefs, and readers who enjoy philosophical or theological discussions will find much to ponder. Atmospheric and thought-provoking. – Kirkus Reviews.
Daughter of Doom’ is a cinematic adventure novel in which two women hold their own at a time when this was anything but a given. Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem has created two beautiful characters, who are deeply rooted in their respective faiths. Both Yrsa and Job are convinced that fate is unavoidable, each in their own way, and yet they manage to find their own path in life. Van Rijckeghem peppers the story with action and suspense, but never at the expense of depth. The occasional humour is a nice finishing touch. A remarkable book about fate, faith and free will, in vivid language. – Flanders literature.
Jean-Claude Van Rijckeghem 