I’m starting this off with a disclaimer that none of these books are explicitly “heathen.” They aren’t written for a heathen or pagan audience, nor are they about the religion itself. But they are adjacent, covering areas of history and literature that are interesting to people with heathen leanings. I should also note most of these books are not new, I just happened to read them this year. With that out of the way, here’s some of the best books I read in 2023:

Beowulf, A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley

This was barely a 2023 read for me, considering I received it as a holiday gift, but it was a quick read. I have never laughed so hard while reading a Beowulf translation. I’m totally here for the vibes. Perhaps not the most accurate translation of Beowulf on the market (I wouldn’t use it for reconstruction purposes, for sure) but definitely one of the most entertaining. 5/5

The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman by Nancy Marie Brown

This book is a mix of travel diary and popular archeology that is certainly interesting. It could be a little slow in places, and it wasn’t as much biography as I was expecting based on the synopsis. Still, it was an enjoyable and interesting read. 3.75/5

Winters in the World by Eleanor Parker

Full disclosure, I haven’t actually finished this one quite yet, but I am enjoying it. The book is of course dealing with Christian Anglo-Saxon England, but there’s still little nuggets there for the interested Fyrnsidere to uncover. As someone who is trying to get back in touch with natural cycles and rhythms, this was an interesting book to dive into.

My 2024 TBR

I also received The Word Hord: Daily Life in Old English by Hana Videen as a holiday gift this year. I haven’t gotten a chance to dive into it just yet, but I am absolutely stoked to do so. Let me know if y’all would like a review of it when I’m finished.

Another book I’m hoping to get to in 2024 is The Darkening Age by Catherine Nixey (I read part of it, but then my library loan expired. Whoops).

I’m always on the hunt for more books to add to my TBR (to be read) pile, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!