When We Were Vikings is a novel by Andrew David MacDonald. The novel follows Zelda, a 21-year-old woman with cognitive disabilities. Zelda is deeply interested in the history and culture of Vikings. She lives in an apartment with her older brother, Gert. Their mother is deceased, and they are estranged from their father. Gert takes care of Zelda and attends college classes. However, when Zelda discovers that Gert may be in trouble, she considers it her responsibility to help him. The novel explores themes of trauma, loyalty, responsibility, morality, and love.
