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Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

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!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Not only a well written memoir, but an interesting take on Icelandic history from post-World War Two until present day. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended."
-- The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

"Whether you're a seasoned tourist or an armchair traveler with Iceland on your mind, you'll want to start by reading
Viking Voyager, an account of place and people no tourist guide can provide. This is the real stuff: growing up in a stark landscape of fjords and volcanoes, where harsh winters and seafaring disasters lurk in the legacy, where resourcefulness, stoicism, hard work, and family loyalty are prized, and where, like the Saga heroes, youth are expected to make their way abroad as a test of courage and ingenuity. This is Sverrir Sigurdsson's story, an extraordinary tale of what it means to be Icelandic, how tenacity of spirit enabled a small country to navigate its way through hardship and war to contribute on the larger stage of human endeavors. Beautifully written with a fast-paced narrative style, Viking Voyager is essential reading for any adventure-seeking tourist in the 21st century."
--Paula Harrell, historian, adjunct professor, Georgetown University, author of
Asia for the Asians and Sowing the Seeds of Change

"This memoir is one heck of a good read!
Viking Voyager offers a fascinating glimpse into Sverrir Sigurdsson's often tough upbringing in Iceland, which was relatively underdeveloped until set on a more prosperous path by Allied bases during World War II. Admitted to the best high school in Reykjavík, a rigorous multilingual curriculum set him in good stead for a career with international organizations. We accompany him to Finland to study architecture - while mastering one of the most difficult European languages - before enjoying his many adventures and insights into working with different cultures around the world."
--D. A.Spruzen, author of
The Blitz Business

"This is the story of a latter-day Viking, an adventurous spirit who left his native Iceland at an early age to study abroad. Having graduated as an architect from a Finnish university, he went on a mission around the globe with the UN and the World Bank, doing his bit to help make the world a better place. This mission brought him to the Middle East, through Sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia and back to Europe during turbulent times, and finally to the U.S. Throughout his journey he was sustained by his ancestors' heritage of stubborn resilience in the face of formidable challenges."--Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs (1988-95) and ambassador to the United States(1998-2002).

"Who among us wouldn't want descendants to learn from our life? Of the hundreds of memoirs available, perhaps one is worth reading. This is it. The origin of
Viking Voyager is a land where 200 years ago, 25 percent of the population starved to death; where a widow had to have a license to 'handle her own affairs' and where farm life was a 'study in minimalism'. Here is a story of survival and success, self-generated. From Roots to Viking Adventures and, finally, Home. The story is unusual because it includes a life of building schools in many parts of the world. The lesson at the end is summarized thusly: 'I could collaborate with anyone from any background as long as the person wasn't a jackass.' Fair enough. All stories are told, perhaps with the ingenious pen of his wife and co-author, in hilarious and self-effacing detail. This is a story which gladdens the heart and makes one wish for more."
--Stephen Heyneman, professor (emeritus), International Education Policy, Vanderbilt University, and editor-in-chief,
International Journal of Educational Development

About the Author

Sverrir Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland and graduated as an architect from Finland in 1966. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the U.S. His assignments focused on school construction and improving education in developing countries. He has worked for private companies as well as UNESCO and the World Bank. He is now retired and lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and coauthor, Veronica.

Veronica Li emigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a teenager. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master's degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked as a journalist and for the World Bank, and is currently a writer. Her three previously published titles are: Nightfall in Mogadishu, Journey across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman's Search for Home, and Confucius Says: A Novel.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08MDMRM66
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mascot Books (November 1, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
124 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and a delightful read. They describe it as an engaging, well-written personal saga. The author candidly tells the story of an extraordinary Viking. Readers appreciate the travel value and insights into the workings of the international aid system.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

18 customers mention "Storytelling"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's storytelling engaging. They appreciate the descriptions and histories of various places involved. The book brings back fond memories and provides new insights. Readers also mention that the book is a refreshingly honest personal story of growing up in Iceland.

"...Author Sigurdsson’s engaging recollections of Iceland, his schooling in Finland, and his travels through Africa, Kuwait, Iraq, and under the stars..." Read more

"...’s memoir, beautifully co-written with his wife Veronica Li, is a captivating and fast-paced account of the life of a professional architect in..." Read more

"...The book is written clearly and engagingly and is a good read. Enjoy!" Read more

"...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." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They find it interesting, especially for young people contemplating their career and life choices. The descriptions and histories of the places are appreciated.

"I don’t say this lightly, Viking Voyager, An Icelandic Memoir is a wonderful book...." Read more

"...The book is written clearly and engagingly and is a good read. Enjoy!" Read more

"...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..." Read more

"What better book to read during a pandemic when travel options are so limited!..." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging writing style. They find it clear and well-written, with fascinating anecdotes. The memoir takes readers on a journey, not only in Iceland but also through a time now past. Readers appreciate the knowledgeable and gregarious storyteller who is candid about his personal life.

"...Sigurdsson is a knowledgeable and gregarious storyteller with passions for Iceland, his Viking heritage, and travel that are nothing short of..." Read more

"Sverrir Sigurdsson’s memoir, beautifully co-written with his wife Veronica Li, is a captivating and fast-paced account of the life of a professional..." Read more

"...The book is written clearly and engagingly and is a good read. Enjoy!" Read more

"...Sigurdsson is remarkably candid abut his personal life, his successes and shortcomings, and his work experiences...." Read more

11 customers mention "Authenticity"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the candid and honest writing style of this autobiography. They find the tales about Sverrir Sigurdsson's ancestors intertwined with Icelandic history. The book starts with stories about his youth, but it expands with his life as a qualified Viking. Readers enjoy the honesty and uniqueness of Viking culture.

"...For readers who have travelled widely, this book will bring back fond memories and provide new insights...." Read more

"This is an autobiography, but also a history of the emergence of Iceland as a modern country. It shows us life in..." Read more

"...I absolutely adored this engrossing personal memoir covering decades of a rich and fascinating life...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the tales of his youth, but the book expands with his life as a qualified architect, working with UNESCO and the World Bank, and his..." Read more

6 customers mention "Travel value"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's travel value. They find it easy to follow the author's journey through different countries and continents, including the Middle East and parts of Africa. The book is described as an interesting and unique journey across generations, geographies, cultures, and disciplines.

"...with the help of his wife Veronica Li, takes us on a wonderful international adventure as he relates his interesting experiences while pursuing..." Read more

"...working with UNESCO and the World Bank, and his travels to many different countries and continents...." Read more

"...alive as we read about his life, which alone is an interesting and unique journey. I highly recommend Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir." Read more

"...It is easy to close your eyes and travel the world with Sverrir. Do it !" Read more

5 customers mention "Life span"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's life span. They find it well-written and documented, with valuable lessons. The people are described as solid and have all the important qualities.

"...His has been a great life, well lived, and he is a magnificent example of the indomitable spirit of his forefathers. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...gives several examples of the value of initiative, flexibility and persistence...." Read more

"...reflecting on the unanticipated paths of life—in this case a life well-lived and full of valuable lessons. Highly recommended." Read more

"...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..." Read more

3 customers mention "Information quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful about the workings of the international aid system. They appreciate the explanation of World Bank work and the Viking heritage.

"...Insightful about the workings of the international aid system, honest about the interplay of a peripatetic work life and marriage and family, and,..." Read more

"...Also the explanation of World Bank work." Read more

"...must-read remembrance of Iceland, Viking heritage, and helping countries grow..." Read more

Viking Voyager offers the reader excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.
5 out of 5 stars
Viking Voyager offers the reader excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.
Sverrir Sigurdsson’s memoir, beautifully co-written with his wife Veronica Li, is a captivating and fast-paced account of the life of a professional architect in Scandinavia, the Middle East and a score of African and Eastern countries while their cultures were still unique, long before globalisation.One of this book’s many attractions lies in the periods it deals with, from the Second World War to the 70s well before rushing modernity homogenized the world. As a Scottish neighbour of the Icelanders, I knew a little of that small island but was delighted by the detail and history that the author adds. I was unaware of Operation Fork, the British invasion of Iceland in 1940 to forestall the German domination of the North Atlantic. As Sverrir admits, that period contributed greatly to the modernisation of Iceland and helped set it on a path of economic growth and independence from Denmark.When the author discusses his adventures in Africa, he thoughtfully reminds us of the names of the countries before independence and thus adds transparency to readers who, like me, remember the days of the British Empire.Sverrir Sigurdsson enjoys drawing the parallel between the wanderings and successes of his Viking forebears and his own adventures as a professional working for long periods in developing countries around the world. His experiences in and observations about the World Bank made me smile. As an international development programme evaluation specialist, I ran into World Bank experts on many continents. Like a true Viking, the author enjoyed the loot that working for the World bank affords.For readers who have travelled widely, this book will bring back fond memories and provide new insights. For readers who travel vicariously, Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir will afford much excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2022
    I don’t say this lightly, Viking Voyager, An Icelandic Memoir is a wonderful book. Author Sverrir Sigurdsson, with Veronica Li, takes us on a road trip around the world as he uses his experiences in pre-WWII Iceland and as an architect and problem solver, spearheading projects for World Bank to improve people’s lives across the globe.

    I visited the areas around Keflavik and Reykjavik, Iceland, during my military service. I was drawn to this book to read the author’s perspective growing up there as a descendant of Vikings—and this book did not disappoint. Author Sigurdsson’s engaging recollections of Iceland, his schooling in Finland, and his travels through Africa, Kuwait, Iraq, and under the stars among the desert dunes of Saudi Arabia made Viking Voyager everything I look for in a memoir: great stories, a meaningful view of history, and a striking portrayal of faraway places.

    Viking Voyager reads like a conversation over drinks with a new, well-travel friend who’s passionate about where he’s been and excited about where he’s about to go.

    This is an adventure of a life well lived that Sigurdsson and Li share through crisp, inviting storytelling, vivid imagery, and the perspective of a young Icelander, growing up during the defense of Iceland from Hitler’s forces, and his first-hand experience leveraging what he learned during the reconstruction of nations after the war.

    Sigurdsson is a knowledgeable and gregarious storyteller with passions for Iceland, his Viking heritage, and travel that are nothing short of contagious. This book is engaging and satisfying. If you’ve ever been curious about Iceland, the Viking perspective as the good guys in the story, or how the World Bank continued the Marshall Plan to rebuild nations, reduce global suffering, and promote peace—then Viking Voyager is your next must-read book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2021
    Sverrir Sigurdsson’s memoir, beautifully co-written with his wife Veronica Li, is a captivating and fast-paced account of the life of a professional architect in Scandinavia, the Middle East and a score of African and Eastern countries while their cultures were still unique, long before globalisation.

    One of this book’s many attractions lies in the periods it deals with, from the Second World War to the 70s well before rushing modernity homogenized the world. As a Scottish neighbour of the Icelanders, I knew a little of that small island but was delighted by the detail and history that the author adds. I was unaware of Operation Fork, the British invasion of Iceland in 1940 to forestall the German domination of the North Atlantic. As Sverrir admits, that period contributed greatly to the modernisation of Iceland and helped set it on a path of economic growth and independence from Denmark.

    When the author discusses his adventures in Africa, he thoughtfully reminds us of the names of the countries before independence and thus adds transparency to readers who, like me, remember the days of the British Empire.

    Sverrir Sigurdsson enjoys drawing the parallel between the wanderings and successes of his Viking forebears and his own adventures as a professional working for long periods in developing countries around the world. His experiences in and observations about the World Bank made me smile. As an international development programme evaluation specialist, I ran into World Bank experts on many continents. Like a true Viking, the author enjoyed the loot that working for the World bank affords.

    For readers who have travelled widely, this book will bring back fond memories and provide new insights. For readers who travel vicariously, Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir will afford much excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Viking Voyager offers the reader excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.

    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2021
    Sverrir Sigurdsson’s memoir, beautifully co-written with his wife Veronica Li, is a captivating and fast-paced account of the life of a professional architect in Scandinavia, the Middle East and a score of African and Eastern countries while their cultures were still unique, long before globalisation.

    One of this book’s many attractions lies in the periods it deals with, from the Second World War to the 70s well before rushing modernity homogenized the world. As a Scottish neighbour of the Icelanders, I knew a little of that small island but was delighted by the detail and history that the author adds. I was unaware of Operation Fork, the British invasion of Iceland in 1940 to forestall the German domination of the North Atlantic. As Sverrir admits, that period contributed greatly to the modernisation of Iceland and helped set it on a path of economic growth and independence from Denmark.

    When the author discusses his adventures in Africa, he thoughtfully reminds us of the names of the countries before independence and thus adds transparency to readers who, like me, remember the days of the British Empire.

    Sverrir Sigurdsson enjoys drawing the parallel between the wanderings and successes of his Viking forebears and his own adventures as a professional working for long periods in developing countries around the world. His experiences in and observations about the World Bank made me smile. As an international development programme evaluation specialist, I ran into World Bank experts on many continents. Like a true Viking, the author enjoyed the loot that working for the World bank affords.

    For readers who have travelled widely, this book will bring back fond memories and provide new insights. For readers who travel vicariously, Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir will afford much excitement and admiration for a life lived to the full.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2021
    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!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2021
    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.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Clementi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Fascinating Facts and Insights
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2023
    Iceland is a country I know very little about and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Sverrir's childhood growing up in Iceland and what life was like in this unusual country and all the wonderful details he vividly describes, from pickling in whey to the dramatic vistas and countryside. The memoir is epic and the reader is like a captive audience listening to Sverrir relate his whole life from birth (and before) through to retirement, and the memoir touches on many issues in the author's life from his personal life to his fascinating (and globetrotting) long career. The reader learns about unusual developing countries and the politics surrounding them. Sverrir's love of life and his amazing abilities as an architect come together as he builds his own amazing house. A book full of life's twists and turns, interesting insights and observations about many different countries, and interesting historical facts - all held together with an engaging style of writing.
  • Client d'Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very original life
    Reviewed in Spain on February 4, 2021
    A remarkable life journey from Iceland at the time of World War II to Washington, with twists and turns all around Europe, the Middle East, Africa and other places.
    Sverir Sigurdsson writes well, is never boring or too long, and describes a most astonishing career, from studying architecture in Finland without speaking the language to reforming financing of school text books for the World Bank. In addition, he communicates rather well his pleasure in working with his hands - repairing, creating and even building his house with his own hands.
    Do not hesitate to read the memoirs of the Viking Voyager. You will love it!
  • Louise Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great memoir of an unusual life
    Reviewed in Spain on January 23, 2022
    An interesting life story. Decisions made in youth can project an unexpected life trajectory. An interesting and enjoyable read. The author's Icelandic early years and his determined character shaped his future life, as did chance meetings and the hand of fate.
  • Dia
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Antidote to Lockdown Travel-Withdrawal
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2021
    Viking Voyager: An Iceland Memoir is an engaging and detailed autobiographical novel by Sverrir Sigurdsson, who has thoughtfully documented both his childhood in Iceland (a period which spans the second World War) and his later travels in pursuit of education, love, and – most importantly – his passion for architecture. The descriptions of various locations and events of mid-20th century Iceland are vivid and fascinating, and I found the account of what befell the country as the British pre-emptively invaded the small nation for its own protection particularly fascinating. The substories packed into this memoir, such as Sverrir struggling to study in Finland and overcoming the language barrier, or his first encounter with his wife’s family, are told with a compassionate and candid introspection, and carry the reader along with the author as we share in his travels and experiences in trying to make the world a better place. Deeply compelling and thoroughly recommended – although it may leave you frustratedly waiting to visit Iceland!
  • C. Saunders
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a journey through life - entertaining and educational
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2021
    I loved this book for the story told by a genuine Viking explorer. It begins with his childhood in Iceland where I really felt as if I knew his parents and grandparents as the description of their lives and homes were so vivid. I particularly liked the description of Reykjavik as that is an area I lived in for a short time. From there Sverrir takes us to Finland for his higher education and then we embark on a journey through a multitude of different countries on different continents while he works with UNESCO to improve educational establishments there. This is a heartwarming, sometimes very sad, and enlightening memoir. I travelled mentally and "saw" the places he visited. A true Viking - interested in seeing the new and no plundering

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