Leanne's review of Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid...
Iceland is a leader in gender equality--and has been 'for the past dozen years in a row'. (p. 11)
What is Iceland doing right? Why is gender equality good for everyone? How can we nurture and support the "Sprakkar" in our lives? How can Iceland improve?
Even though Eliza Reid is justifiably proud of her adopted home, she writes a balanced account. Her writing showcases both wit and wisdom, and her book is simply unputdownable - a true love letter to Iceland.
'This book is a modern portrait of a country... It is...a testament to the type of society we can build when we are vigilant about creating and ensuring equal opportunities, experiences and rewards for people of all genders.' (author's note)
I've had a lifelong love affair with Iceland. And yet there were so many things I didn't know about this fascinating country. For example...and...and... Oh, there's just too much. You simply must read Secrets of the Sprakkar.
Iceland's Extraordinary Women
and How They are Changing the World
2022
247 pages
My friend Eleanor Cocker is a retired high school English teacher and volunteer librarian. She has served as my beta reader for many years. Under her guidance, my writing has greatly improved.
Eleanor's review of Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid...
The last Icelandic book that I read was Independent People by Nobel author, Halldor Laxness.
Consequently, my view of Iceland was admittedly skewed: I pictured a land of stubborn individualists, dysfunctional families, and social injustice all against a backdrop of an unforgiving landscape. It seemed particularly harsh for women.
Secrets of the Sprakkar by Eliza Reid serves as an antidote. Although "Sprakkar" is an ancient Icelandic word meaning extraordinary women, it is their modern incarnation and the society from which they have sprung that she celebrates. As an outsider (an immigrant from Canada), consummate insider (married to the President), and trained travel journalist, Reid is in an ideal position to tell their stories.
By referring both to the government policies and to the many impressive individuals she has met, Reid shows how far Iceland has come in empowering women without neglecting to point out where her beloved adopted country could still improve. Because Iceland has a tiny population (less than that of Greater Victoria), it is a sort of crucible where experimental strategies can be tried out, strategies that might also work in a larger country such as Canada. For example, support for parents and families both before and after the birth of children has allowed women to pursue their chosen careers, enriching the whole nation.
However, what I enjoyed above all was meeting the wonderful women of Iceland--from farmers, fishers, and media personalities to politicians, environmentalists, search and rescue team members, and musicians. The book gave me a strong sense of Eliza Reid's warm personality, listening ear, and keen sense of observation. Whether over strong coffee and sugary cakes or in a "hot pot" thermal pool, she obviously enjoyed exchanging ideas with others. She has definitely fallen in love with the Sprakkar of Iceland and so will you!
And on the topic of female empowerment, have you heard of...
If you are a girl living in LA and like to write, you should learn more. I'm a woman living on a remote island in Canada and I'm thinking of moving to LA so I can join. ...not really. But kind of...
