THEY REALLY SAILED THE ATLANTIC IN THOSE THINGS?

We spent five days in Denmark and I did the usual round of bookstores, signings and talks in libraries. Once again, I was fascinated to see my books being enjoyed by people who speak another language entirely. I don't know why this should surprise me, but it does. It's the most wonderful feeling.  I kept thinking, “I sit at home in Manly and write these books, and here are kids thousands of miles away, reading them in a completely different language.” It's so weird to pick up a copy of your own book and realise that the only words you recognise are “John Flanagan”. Even the titles are different. Not Ranger's Apprentice, but Skyggens Learling.

Once again, I had audiences in fits of laughter over my pronunciation. I mean, let's be honest, you would pronounce that “Sky-gens Lurling”, wouldn't you? Well I did. Until I found out it's Skoogens.

I got the Lurling sort of right, anyway.

The final day was special for me. I had a day off and Lise organised a tour of the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde, a town outside of Copenhagen. They have the remnants of old boats that were sunk hundreds of years ago ( to block the harbour when the Norwegians tried to invade). They've raised them and reconstructed their outlines in iron frames. About 30-40% of the original structures remains.

Since I'm working on a new series, about a half Skandanavian, half Araluen boy who designs a new kind of ship, I was fascinated. Lise arranged for one of the curators there, Anton Englert, to show us around. In addition to the museum, they have a boatyard where they build ships in the old style, with old tools. It was fascinating. And I got some great details and great ideas for events in the new series.

Thanks Lise and thanks Anton. It was a great finish to a great tour.



 

Anton shows John over one of the boats built in the old style.