Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir
This vivacious personal story captures the heart and soul of modern Iceland. Born in Reykjavik on the eve of the Second World War, Sverrir Sigurdsson watched Allied troops invade his country and turn it into a bulwark against Hitler's advance toward North America. The country's post-war transformation from an obscure, dirt-poor nation to a prosperous one became every Icelander's success. Spurred by this favorable wind, Sverrir answered the call of his Viking forefathers, setting off on a voyage that took him around the world. Join him on his roaring adventures!
Reviews (48)
An engrossing and fascinating tale
What better book to read during a pandemic when travel options are so limited! I absolutely adored this engrossing personal memoir covering decades of a rich and fascinating life. Sigurdsson's story carries us through his childhood in Iceland - quite an underdeveloped country at the time - with touching portraits of himself, his family, and his community through happy and unhappy times. Eventually making it to Finland to study architecture without even speaking the language when he got there -- can one even imagine doing such a thing?!? What an example of true determination and drive in such a young man. His countless worldwide adventures, both before and during his career at the World Bank, kept me turning the pages and wondering what was coming next. And finally, the honesty of his words in describing the very real difficulties so many of us struggle with in mis-matched relationships, to gradually finding the life partner he was meant to be with made this story even more relatable and human. Overall, a lovely portrait of a one-of-a-kind life. Thanks, Sverrir!
Rooted in Iceland, Sverrir Makes the World a Better Place
Describing the lives of his ancestors and his own childhood in Iceland, Sverrir, a generous memoirist, depicts the tough life of the fisherman on the cold, rough North Atlantic Ocean as well as of the farmer eking out an existence in the 20th century. The reader learns of Iceland's vibrant political life---his parents subscribed to newspapers of political parties at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Most fascinating, however, is the character of Sverrir himself, an Icelander deeply rooted in his home country, who departed Iceland, earned an architecture degree, and forged a career of making the world a better place by conducting education projects in a variety of developing countries.
A highly engaging book
An interesting read. This is a lively and highly readable book about a life well lived – and lived in many places on several continents. The author started his life in pre-war Iceland, and the book provides very useful reminders of how hard life was for most people even a relatively short time ago (just one life-time) in countries where we are now used to enjoying vast riches. His many subsequent stops – Finland, Kuwait, Malawi, Swaziland, and Washington (with travel for the World Bank) are all interesting - I found his experience arriving to study in Finland without a word of Finnish the most engaging.. Challenging excursions with his family are all well described, and the book gives several examples of the value of initiative, flexibility and persistence. This is just one person’s life, without any high drama, but well told and I was engaged throughout and never bored. N.F.
An Icelandic memoir that appeals to everyone including Asians
I learned quite a bit about the history and culture on Iceland from Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir by Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li, as well as Sverrir’s career and family stories. For one thing, I didn’t know that the capital of Iceland was Copenhagen, not Reykjavík, in the early 1600s. While basically sticking to his profession as an architect working for private companies as well as UNESCO and the World Bank, Sverrir traveled and worked in many countries across the globe including Asia. Some reviewers have given comments on his European and African experiences, I will say a few words on his Asian stories. The descriptions of his Asian experiences in the book are equally, if not more, interesting than those about other continents. Here is one example: “In Yanbian, … 2,000 primary school children welcomed me one morning. They sang and danced in colorful ethnic costumes while I stood clad in a homemade Icelandic woolen sweater, waving and trying my best to look regal. In the afternoon, another 3,000 secondary school children overwhelmed me with their theatrical talents. Frankly speaking, the excessive attention was downright embarrassing and made me feel like an impostor.” Ah, that is exactly what would happen during the early 1980s in China. All in all, a very inspiring memoir – broad perspectives, matter-of-fact narrative, good choice of words, and subtle humor – that should be read by everyone who has an international mind and heart.
Fascinating Story of an International Life
Sverrir Sigurdsson, with the help of his wife Veronica Li, takes us on a wonderful international adventure as he relates his interesting experiences while pursuing his education, career and family life. The writing is clear and compelling, and keeps you wondering what will happen next. From his tough growing up in Iceland to studies in Finland and challenging jobs in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we get not only the story of a varied life, but insights into history and cultures and work in a variety of countries. Sigurdsson is remarkably candid abut his personal life, his successes and shortcomings, and his work experiences. He also portrays penetrating analyses of national and personal behaviors. This is a memoir worthy of reading by younger people contemplating their career and life choices, as well as older folks reflecting on their own lives. Having also lived an international life, I am inspired to write my own memoir, and this is a great example to follow. I was very impressed by the author's recall of innumerable details - names, people, places and experiences, which made for a rich and enjoyable read.
Engrossing Journey through a life of adventure and public service. Highly recommended!
This marvelous memoir reads like the adventure story it is, from beginnings in hardscrabble Iceland in the 30s through the surprise “invasion” of the British in the 40s, to advanced training as an architect to a life of public service in rural Asia, to the deserts of the Middle East, schools in Africa and a late career applying his experience at the World Bank. Insightful about the workings of the international aid system, honest about the interplay of a peripatetic work life and marriage and family, and, in the end, a delightful read, this book would be valuable for anyone reflecting on the unanticipated paths of life—in this case a life well-lived and full of valuable lessons. Highly recommended.
Great book, well-written.
I found this book very interesting, especially if you have a bit of background on Iceland. It is well-written and very enjoyable to read. I found the parts about his younger years right after WWII up until he left to go to Finland for college particularly interesting. Iceland was not a rich country by any means, but the people were solid and had all of the important things, like a hard work ethic, respect for education, and love for their families, etc.
A Life Long Journey
This is an autobiography, but also a history of the emergence of Iceland as a modern country. It shows us life in Iceland just before and after World War II and its gradual modernization and integration into an increasingly globalized world. The three strands in the book ( personal development, the development of Iceland and international development in the 20th and early part of the 21st century) document changing phases of world history. I found the first part of the book on the authors experiences in Iceland particularly interesting. The book is written clearly and engagingly and is a good read. Enjoy!
Must read book !
A wonderfully written, candidly told story of an extraordinary Viking ! Engrossing and difficult to put down. It should be a must read for teenagers (but also adults, because... there’s always time to fulfill dreams so long as one is alive). I wish I had read something like this in my younger age. It is easy to close your eyes and travel the world with Sverrir. Do it !
Engaging and well-written personal saga
WThis a refreshingly honest personal story of growing up in Iceland and taking advantage of opportunities to explore the world beyond. I learned a lot about pre-industrial Iceland, the post-war transition to a modern economy and the uniqueness of Viking culture. The book is written in an engaging style with lots of fascinating anecdotes.
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