Advent Reading Challenge Day Twenty

A Book Set in a Different Country

One of the very best things about working in libraries was the opportunity I had to meet authors and share events with them. For years I was involved in the young people’s programme at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, something I loved. And, as a member of staff at Moray Libraries, I had the opportunity to interview authors during the Spirit of Moray Book Festival. Although I was specifically responsible for the young people’s strand of that festival, I also helped with the adult events. One of the people I was delighted to be in conversation with was Sally Magnusson who came to talk about her debut novel The Sealwoman’s Gift. Discussing the novel was exciting and fascinating – sometimes I almost forgot there was an audience!

The Sealwoman’s Gift is set in not one, but two, different countries. It is based on historical events in seventeenth century Iceland.  A tiny island was raided and most of the population either massacred or carried away in captivity.  The novel follows the fate of Asta, wife of the local pastor.  In spite of the fact that I don’t care about history before about 1800 I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  One of its outstanding elements is the description of landscape; whether of Iceland or Algiers it is immensely evocative.  The cold, harsh, almost barren Iceland is lightened by the warmth of the strength of community while Algiers, in reality a prison to the captives, is enticing in its warmth and languor.  The novel also explores the concept of home, something the captives are forced to consider. It also looks at freedom, physical, moral, and spiritual. All in all I was beguiled by Sally’s writing into hoping for an outcome contrary to my moral and religious beliefs.