Intelligent, engaging, and informational regarding Iceland and it's history, people and culture.

Interesting book about Iceland. Maybe a little disappointing in the end. But a good book nonetheless. Something different for your club.

I thought this book was good and character development was great. I was disappointed in how the author completed the book--not so much in plot but the quickness in which all is resolved. The book is written well in the beginning but it is almost like the author wanted to be finished with the book in the end and didn't spend as much time on it compared to the beginning.

I really liked this book. We all have that family member who is a little out of control and crazy--and this book keeps you clinging to what this woman will do next to a little girl who is being raised by her by circumstance. A mystery uncovers itself and the adult child is going to do everything it takes to get to the bottom of the story. I wasn't expecting so much of the Iclandic language, history and geography in the book; I was drawn in by the mystery of the family secret, but I really enjoyed the educational benefits the book had to offer. I have an Icelandic friend and I saw a lot of parallels of her life and family to the character's description of life in Iceland and her family. If you like Iceland or ever wondered about it--I'm sure you will LOVE this book.

The Tricking of Freya is a wonderful debut novel by Christina Sunley. Taking place in Canada and Iceland, the book is a love letter of sorts to her Icelandic ancestors and heritage.

Freya is the granddaughter of Olafur, one of Iceland’s greatest poets but who had, much to the chagrin of Icelanders, emigrated to Canada. Though she spends her first 7 years in America, Freya learns first hand about her Icelandic heritage when she and her mother travel to Gimli, just outside of Winnipeg. There she meets her grandmother for the first time and her aunt, nicknamed Birdie. Birdie discovers that Freya’s mother has not been teaching her Icelandic, and she immediately begins that task. Freya takes to Birdie and her Icelandic heritage very well, but also slowly learns that Birdie can be unstable.

When Freya gets the opportunity to go to Iceland, she becomes even more aware of her heritage. One of the most interesting facets of Icelandic life is their love of books.

This book’s themes include history, mythology, psychology, and the significance of one’s family roots and heritage. I enjoyed it very much and will look forward to Christina Sunley’s next book.

Interesting topic about a culture I knew almost nothing. Nice descriptions and story. Makes me to want to travel to Iceland!

The outcome was a bit predictable to me but the story was still worth the read. The journey to the end definitely kept me interested.