yasminwooldridge's review against another edition
4.0
An incredible book! I hope someone writes as well and honestly for Thòrdís Markúsdòttir as Margaret Willson has done for Captain Thurídur.
kolymaarasto's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
bookbrig's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This was a random shelf discovery for me, and I ended up loving it. Wilson writes about Thurídur with such an engaging voice and warm eye to detail, that I found myself caught up in her life almost from the first page. I learned a lot about Iceland's history as well, and I'm really glad I listened to the audiobook. It really gave me context for the pronunciations that are outside my experience. If you're in the mood for an interesting biography of a fascinating woman this would be a great choice-it put me in the mind of Empress Dowager Cixi by Jung Chang.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Minor: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, and Child death
lymadebell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
4.25
I really liked this historical fiction? It wasn't really a fiction. The author said very specifically it was a sort of fictionalized account of the captain of the book. I am not going to say the captor's name because I bet you any money I would spell it wrong. I really liked the voice of this book, The narrator was not so good but the writer did strive to make the history come alive. Since this wasn't a story per se, it definitely felt real. People in this book were like people you would meet nowadays except for the captain. She felt like she was larger than life. If you're interested in Icelandic fishing, captaining sea Boats in 1800s, and Icelandic living. I would definitely suggest this book.
rachelwierick's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.75
jordansmoot's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
4.75
I would not have picked this book up if it hadn’t been immediately available as an audiobook at my library while I was waiting on other holds to come through, but I am so glad I did. This book was interesting, engaging, and informative. Despite being a biography, the author describes Thorider and her life in vivid, conversational, detail, making the entire book more narrative than encyclopedic. It was definitely challenging to keep up with all of the different people with the same names, but I got the hang of it overtime.
midsummerbri's review against another edition
5.0
This was fascinating! What a character and what a fascinating life. I loved it! I had no concept of the goings on in Iceland at this time but the insight into the fishing communities and large towns were so interesting. What a complex society of land owners, fisherman, farmhands, deckhands, etc. This is an exceptionally hard life and it is baffling to me that such a lifetime of work could be so subject to shifting fates. The audiobook was great and Ann Richardson had a lovely voice for the story. My only complaint is that the names were sometimes hard to follow, but the author made sure to call back to when these people were mentioned so you don't get too lost. A woman in trousers and a top hat...a lady after my own heart haha. Thank you NetGalley and Tantor audio for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.