Dive into the real history behind the Lewis Chessmen and how Sara Winokur weaves them into her gripping novel
The Lewis Chessmen, a set of intricately carved medieval chess pieces discovered in Scotland in the 19th century, have captured the imagination of historians, art lovers, and mystery enthusiasts alike. These enigmatic artifacts are not just relics of the past—they are central to Sara Winokur’s riveting new novel, Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders. A masterful blend of Nordic noir, historical intrigue, and modern murder mystery, the book takes readers on a thrilling journey into the secrets of the chessmen and the human stories they hold.
A Brief History of the Lewis Chessmen
The Lewis Chessmen were discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Believed to date back to the 12th century, these intricate pieces—crafted primarily from walrus ivory and whale teeth—are thought to have originated in Norway. The chessmen depict a range of figures, from kings and queens to warriors and bishops, each carved with remarkable detail and character.
What makes the Lewis Chessmen so intriguing is their mystery. How did they come to be buried in Scotland? Were they lost during a voyage? Hidden during a conflict? While some pieces are housed in the British Museum and others in the National Museum of Scotland, their journey remains shrouded in speculation, leaving room for storytellers like Sara Winokur to weave their own tales around these historical treasures.
Ivory Bones: A Modern Spin on an Ancient Mystery
In Ivory Bones, the Lewis Chessmen are more than historical curiosities—they are the linchpin of an intricate plot that bridges centuries. Icelandic forensic geneticist Brynja Pálsdóttir is thrust into the search for the missing chessmen when she receives a centuries-old diary written by a woman abducted during the 1627 Barbary pirate raids on Iceland. The diary, filled with cryptic clues, suggests a connection between the kidnapped woman’s fate and the chessmen’s mysterious disappearance.
As Brynja delves deeper, her investigation becomes perilous. She finds herself navigating a labyrinth of deception and danger, where allies may be enemies, and the chessmen’s secrets are tied to both Iceland’s dark history and her own family’s past. Winokur masterfully blends forensic science with historical intrigue, making the Lewis Chessmen a compelling centerpiece in this high-stakes mystery.
The Allure of the Lewis Chessmen in Literature
The Lewis Chessmen have long fascinated writers and filmmakers, serving as symbols of medieval power, craftsmanship, and mystery. Their detailed expressions and unique designs make them an evocative choice for stories that explore themes of human ambition, loss, and survival.
In Ivory Bones, Winokur elevates their allure by connecting them to Iceland’s 17th-century history. The novel’s dual timelines—the modern forensic investigation and the historical account of the Barbary pirate raids—add depth to the chessmen’s narrative, transforming them from static artifacts into dynamic pieces of a larger puzzle.
Exploring Iceland’s Dark History
One of the novel’s most compelling elements is its focus on the Barbary pirate raids, a little-known chapter in Icelandic history. In 1627, pirates from North Africa attacked the Westman Islands and other coastal areas, abducting hundreds of Icelanders to be sold as slaves. This traumatic event, known as the “Turkish Raid,” is a stark reminder of Iceland’s vulnerability during that era.
Through the fictional diary in Ivory Bones, Winokur gives voice to one of these captives, Anna Björnsdóttir. Anna’s story of survival, resilience, and love adds an emotional layer to the novel, enriching the mystery surrounding the Lewis Chessmen.
Brynja Pálsdóttir: A Relatable Heroine
Brynja Pálsdóttir is the perfect protagonist to untangle the chessmen’s secrets. A skilled forensic geneticist, she embodies the precision and curiosity needed to solve such a complex case. However, Brynja’s personal struggles—her family’s dark legacy and the unresolved disappearance of her twin brother—make her more than a detached investigator.
Winokur’s portrayal of Brynja highlights the intersection of personal and professional challenges. Brynja’s journey reflects the broader theme of how history—both personal and collective—shapes and haunts us.
Why Ivory Bones Stands Out
What sets Ivory Bones apart is its seamless fusion of historical and scientific storytelling. Winokur’s expertise as a genetics, shines in the novel’s forensic details, while her passion for history brings authenticity to the depiction of Icelandic culture and the Barbary pirate raids.
The novel’s pacing, vivid descriptions, and intricate plotting keep readers engaged from start to finish. The Lewis Chessmen serve as a bridge between the past and present, embodying the novel’s central themes of legacy, loss, and the enduring human desire for answers.
Whether you’re a fan of Nordic noir, historical mysteries, or cutting-edge forensics, Ivory Bones is a must-read that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The Lewis Chessmen have never been more captivating, and their secrets have never been closer to being unraveled.
To learn more about Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders and Sara Winokur’s other works, visit her website at www.sarawinokur.com. There, you can explore her unique blend of scientific expertise and storytelling, as well as her upcoming projects.
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