The Novelization of Catan is the Lore Drop We Never Knew We Needed

As a dedicated fan of both Catan and fantasy literature, I must say that “Catan: The Novel” has truly outdone itself. Klaus Teuber masterfully weaves a tale that not only entertains but also delves into profound themes that resonate with our modern society.

When one considers tabletop gaming, often the mind wanders to the iconic 1995 board game known as Settlers of Catan, or simply Catan since 2015. This game serves as an ideal introduction to deeper strategic gameplay, requiring players to oversee a settlement on a newly discovered island.

The idea of Catan: the Novel sounds unnecessary at best, a money-grab at worst, especially given the 2005 (2011 for Englischers) novel by Rebecca Gable, The Settlers of Catan, which was a decent high-fantasy novel. However, this time, the original creator of the game and avid history nerd, Klaus Teuber, took up the mantle, penning a trilogy before his unfortunate passing in 2023. Within the first few pages, it was clear that this novelization was working the same magic captured by the board game, bridging the gap between lifelong readers and gamers with a passing interest in books by creating an immersive fantasy world steeped in historically accurate realism.

The story unfolds in an imaginary Nordic village set in Norway during the year 860 A.D., where a family of five siblings – three brothers and two sisters – reside. Initially, they are banished from their homeland and embark on a journey towards Catan, a land of promise. The narrative maintains a forward-thinking approach, contrasting the exiled siblings’ experiences with ancient Nordic living conditions against modern values and societal norms as portrayed in various characters throughout the book. Despite being set in historical context, this novel offers a unique perspective on progressiveness that differs from many other works of historical fiction. The author skillfully incorporates the challenges posed by traditional Nordic lifestyles while weaving in contemporary morals and cultural aspects.

Despite being a tale of a fresh settlement, there are numerous characters in it. In doing so, Teuber establishes his initial comparison between the book and the game, gradually developing his character roster from only two primary figures: Thorolf and Asla. Remarkably, even with such a modest start, the characters exhibit an inclusive range, providing insight into various viewpoints through skillful writing.

This standout aspect is significant because female characters in fantasy and sci-fi genres often get sidelined or assigned domestic roles. However, in the game Catan, many women are portrayed as strong, compassionate, and competent, while some prefer a more domestic lifestyle. Notably, Thorolf’s older brother, Digur, is depicted as black. This could potentially raise concerns since during that era, slaves and indentured servants played crucial roles in Nordic life. It’s worth noting that it was common for Jarls and other free men to father children with their servants, such as Digur. However, it’s rather improbable that a black woman would have been a servant in Norway during that time and also had a relationship with the Jarl, let alone be granted her freedom upon his desire to marry “properly.

In simpler terms, Teuber’s narrative resides in a realm where the plot points are technically feasible and are presented in a manner that reduces the need to read something socially responsible yet authentic and intense. A general instance is the minimal use of sexual violence throughout the book, which is noticeably absent but ultimately gratifying. More precisely, Teuber’s most effective scenes excite readers with familiar scenarios, followed by unanticipated resolutions.

In the thrilling getaway of the girls, two common storyline elements are skillfully sidestepped. Initially, when Asla, a young teenager, flees from a terrifying arranged marriage, it appears as though her sister Stina is overlooked by Asla. However, unlike Asla, the author doesn’t neglect Stina, instead highlighting her brave and mischievous nature. This adds authenticity to the storyline, making readers suspect that Stina would face the repercussions of Asla’s flight. Despite this, Asla, preoccupied with concern, is not as mindful of the potential consequences of her actions as she should be.

The second trope Teuber skips is a bit more complex, yet perfectly balances great storytelling and progressive sentiments. Everyone hears “escaping a betrothal for true love” and expects someone to die or be recaptured and suffer, and it sucks every time, even if it does eventually allow the character to “rise above” whatever challenge they face. Without spoiling the plot too much, this escape attempt is a bittersweet success. Remarkably, the fallout is pretty fairly shared across the siblings, with the men having to pay the highest price rather than the women, Teuber again bucking a popular plot point in fantasy with little effort, thanks to his natural writing.

Throughout the book, Teuber skillfully portrays the complex feelings experienced by an array of characters. These characters undergo significant growth in a short span, and each one stands out distinctively, even among family members, ensuring readers can easily follow the numerous names involved.

One method Teuber uses to make the book easy to understand is by maintaining a swift pace throughout, which is facilitated by numerous page breaks even within short chapters. Moreover, he employs straightforward language, minimizing the use of less frequent words and technical jargon, thereby ensuring each scene is vividly portrayed without lengthy explanations.

As an avid fan, I must admit that when it comes to a fresh fantasy novel, the notion of fast-paced action might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in the case of Catan, it is skillfully orchestrated. The narrative unfolds not only within the boundaries of Catan itself, but also in the myriad events that precede our characters’ arrival there. Teuber masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of world-building, character introductions, and character development through succinct vignettes, offering glimpses into the vibrant and ancient Nordic life.

In addition to being purely fictional, these aren’t. At the time, Teuber demonstrated an extensive understanding of history, as he delved into numerous tasks, hunting techniques, and other aspects. From the straightforward task of threshing wheat to the risky endeavor of a village choosing to hunt a whale, Teuber meticulously outlines each step. His use of onomatopoeia and tension-filled descriptions adds a sense of realism and accuracy that captivates readers with its detailed authenticity.

Teuber’s writing style appeals to a broad range of readers. While more experienced readers might not find it particularly challenging, they may discover new vocabulary or encounter words they haven’t seen in a while. Simultaneously, less experienced readers can comfortably read each section without fear of spoilers, allowing them to put the book down and pick it up as they please.

Indeed, the book centered around an hour-long board game primarily emphasizes the adventure over the final outcome. To clarify, however, there are no mentions of the game within “Catan: The Novel“. Nevertheless, Teuber cleverly incorporates themes of the game into this work, effectively capturing the same sense of immersion that players encounter during games.

The book primarily revolves around the concept of trade, and just like its diverse characters, author Teuber expands the story’s world through a chain reaction, with each location leading to another, thereby enlarging the narrative. It all starts when Asla is manipulated as a pawn in her father’s power struggle, but then is taken away by the sons of the neighboring Jarl. The trade among the villagers serves to introduce characters and locations in Norway, which later expands to incorporate other European nations like France and Spain. As the narrative progresses towards Catan, readers essentially receive a lesson in the history of trade between Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East during the late 800s. Despite the scale growing larger, Teuber skillfully maintains a rhythm, showcasing the impact of both local and international trade during that era.

In this scenario, a variety of characters are present, including runaway slaves, absconded servants, and displaced Christians, all competing for control, liberation, or a combination of both. By roughly the middle of the book, the stage is prepared for an incredibly detailed game reminiscent of Catan, and surprisingly, it’s not as violent as one might anticipate.

The narrative further explores a significant theme: the debate over equality. While slaves are indeed present throughout the tale, the latter part delves deeply into characters grappling with whether slavery is justified, if it’s beneficial for society, and how it erodes human dignity – a topic Teuber portrays as morally questionable rather than justifiable due to circumstances like economic constraints and resource scarcity.

Klaus Teuber addresses this in his afterword, graciously tying this theme to the beloved game:

At the gaming table, all participants are treated equally regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith, or age. In this setting, everyone’s rights are identical, defined and protected by the game’s rules. We interact with one another respectfully and understand that effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork lead to greater success in the game. Resorting to conflict or war is never an acceptable solution, whether it’s within the game itself or in real-life scenarios as depicted in a book.

In summary, “Catan: The Novel” stands out as one of the most impressive fantasy books this year, offering a captivating blend of realism and accessibility to enthrall both readers and game enthusiasts. Unlike some series, it doesn’t leave you hanging with a cliffhanger, but instead marks the beginning of a trilogy that was nearly completed by Teuber before his passing last year. Although the exact completion status of the third book remains uncertain, the second installment is finalized and there’s a strong possibility that it will be announced for release next year.

As a gamer, I appreciate that this first volume stands alone as a complete and satisfying read, perfect for those who dislike starting unfinished series. It’s skillfully crafted to avoid the frustration of wanting more without anything left to consume, neatly wrapping up its story while leaving several enticing plotlines for future adventures.

“Reading Catan: The Novel is a five-star experience, making it an ideal present for Catan enthusiasts and fantasy book lovers alike, with its elegant, gold-bordered cover adding to its charm. Blending elements of high fantasy and young adult literature, this book promises satisfaction for most readers, even as the future of the series remains uncertain. Although Klaus Teuber may be best known for creating the Catan game, his literary work in Catan: The Novel showcases his creative talent and further cements his renowned status within the gaming world.

Pre-orders are now being taken for ‘Catan: The Novel’, which will hit shelves on October 1st, 2024 at multiple retailers. If you’re a fan of the game, don’t miss out on this opportunity to read Klaus Teuber’s captivating final novel.

FAQ

Q: Is the Catan book any good?

Yes, Catan: The Novel is an excellent fantasy book to read.

Q: Is Settlers of Catan based on a book?

As a gamer immersed in the captivating universe of Catan, I can confirm that there are not just one but two intriguing tales spun within this world. One is “The Settlers of Catan,” which I’ve personally found myself engrossed in on the game board, and another is “Catan: The Novel,” a narrative expansion that adds depth to my beloved Catan world when I’m not rolling dice.

Q: What does the name Catan mean?

In the year 2024’s novel, Catan is referred to as ‘the land of the sun’. Interestingly, though, this name was fabricated expressly for the game by Klaus Teuber, and it does not have any other origins beyond its use in the game.

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2024-09-27 16:07