Sealwoman's Gift, The
Magnusson, SallyWhen pirates raid the Icelandic coast in 1627, 400 people are taken and sold into slavery in Algiers. Among their number are a pastor and his family, and it is through the experiences of Asta, the pastor's wife, that this dramatic event of dislocation and forced assimilation is brought to vivid life. Separated from her husband, and then her children, Asta survives her plight by consoling and cajoling those around her with the sagas and folk tales from home while being exposed to the storytelling traditions of her captors.
Compelling and memorable, this fascinating reimagining of a real event in Icelandic history, reflects impeccable research and attests to the power of storytelling in all its guises.
Pages
362
362
Year
2018
2018
Reviews
29-02-2024
Extraordinarily interesting, but found it jumped around a little much for some. However very evocative with wonderful characters. Really enjoyed the historical aspect and learning about a different culture ( sagas and the role of them).
23-01-2024
We all really liked this book. Very different; fascinating history and a well-written story that made us think. Very readable.
09-10-2023
All enjoyed the book to varying degrees. Most found the beginning and end, based on written accounts, atmospheric, grim and compelling. All fascinated by the relatively unknown history and myths and legends throughout the book. Where opinion differed widely was the period in North Africa. All agreed the writing was descriptive and the characters portrayed well and although we knew this part of the book was not factual the love story was found by many to be implausible and detracted from their enjoyment of the book. Discussion on struggles with faith, and can you really go back to an old life
21-08-2023
Very interesting. Half of us loved it, while the other half found the middle section slow.
11-08-2023
Most loved the book. The contrast of the dark, grey, frozen feel of Iceland was in stark comparison to the bright, sunny feel of Algiers. We loved the stories and myths. We all felt we learnt a lot about slavery, not realising it was so wide spread.
27-07-2023
Difficult to get into, but worth the effort. One of our better discussions.
14-03-2023
A really good historical novel. A period of history that none of us knew about. What heartrending conflicts Asta faced. A powerful tale of loss and endurance. Beautifully written.
21-11-2022
All members of our group found the book to be fascinating and informative, as none of us knew about Icelanders being taken as slaves. The fact that many of the characters and events were real and could be researched through diaries and journals made the book a lesson in history. One person found it difficult to get into the story but we all agreed it became very interesting. Good discussion about whether one can (or should) go home again.
02-09-2022
Although not all members read or completed this book, we had a lively discussion and those of us who read the story agreed that it was worth finishing. Most of us felt that it was a slow start and we struggled initially, but once we became absorbed in the characters we enjoyed it and also learnt much about life in very different times and societies.
01-06-2022
Overall the group was really positive about the book, enjoying the story and also the historical background. Discussion ranged over the concept of religious differences especially the concept of the afterlife, the role of sagas in both Iceland and Algiers, and the decision that Asta made to return to Iceland from Algiers, which seemed a much more 'comfortable' lifestyle.
06-05-2022
We all enjoyed this book - beautiful descriptive writing, and fascinating parallels between the monochromatic Iceland and the colour and bustle of Algiers. Also no-one was aware that slaves were captured in Iceland.
17-09-2021
Everyone in our group enjoyed this book immensely. Most of us knew little about this fascinating period of history. Extremely well written, great storytelling and character portrayal. Loved that it was the woman's story. Generated lots of discussion about slavery, piracy,religious beliefs and that this still happens today.
27-08-2021
We all enjoyed this book, we had a good discussion about slavery in the modern world, relationships and the differences of dark and light. We would recommend this book to others. The style of a legend and telling legends was also enjoyed.
25-06-2021
We all thought that the book was very well constructed. Flowed beautifully.
23-06-2021
A good storyteller bringing alive history that the group wasn't aware of. We had a great discussion about characters and their response to events. Good notes which helped the discussion.
09-03-2021
We loved this book. Mostly we had feared that the book would be rather dull and grim, but then discovered how well Sally Magnusson writes. 17th century Iceland came to seem very real as did Algiers. The lives of people of the past were movingly portrayed, especially from a woman's point of view. A great read.
08-03-2021
What a great way to start the year! We all loved the writing in this book. The language, the character development and the storytelling were great. Also a topic and place we knew little about.
28-10-2020
Interesting history lesson and absorbing storytelling by the author, but quite depressing!!
30-09-2020
One of our members has lived in Iceland, and married an Icelander. She had lots to say about the book and the stories that are told in Iceland, with photos. A piece of history that none of us knew of, with a huge decision as a pivot in the book. Fascinating.
30-09-2020
We all loved this book:-)
13-07-2020
Great book!
25-06-2020
Everyone really enjoyed this book and most had never heard of white slavery before. The author describes the environment very clearly and we spent some time discussing the privations of the Icelandic community. Of course the topic of slavery is still relevant today so good discussions around this. Highly recommended.
15-06-2020
Some of our group loved this book, others not. Loved the research, history, descriptions, emotions, and cultures. Well-written. Some thought it a bit gruesome in places.
22-05-2020
No meeting, but most of us really enjoyed the book. Very well-written.
04-05-2020
Due to the lockdown we were not able to meet in person, but had a Zoom meeting online. This was most successful and we were able to share our thoughts about the book. Most enjoyed it but found that it was hard to get involved in the storyline at the beginning. The history of the period in the 1600s including slavery was new to some, and hence rewarding in terms of the many issues it brought up in discussion. We were pleased to have read the book.
18-03-2020
We learned so much about a part of history we knew nothing about previously. Every group member enjoyed this. All the family explanations in the back were helpful/useful.