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michalow's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't learn as much about Iceland from this book as I'd hoped, and the author's criticisms and unwillingness to adapt to the local culture were a bit exhausting. On the other hand, I appreciated some of her observations about what it's like to be in a foreign place longer than the typical tourist stay, but not long enough to make it home.
tbf9002's review against another edition
4.0
Great read pre-travel to Iceland or if you'd like to reminisce after a trip. Otherwise, eh book.
alisonmca's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Fantastic book - I so enjoyed the exploration of Icelandic culture.
jacki_f's review
3.0
I've read two of Sarah Moss's novels and I love the way she writes. This is a non-fiction book, about the year in 2009-2010 that she and her family spent living in Iceland while she worked for the local university. It's an uneven read that is sometimes fascinating and entertaining, but at other times a bit too much hard work.
I've realised that I like my travel accounts to be personal. I've enjoyed books like "Me Myself and Prague" and "Almost French", when the author brings their own background into the story and presents the place that they are living in within the context of their own lives. And parts of "Names for the Sea" are like that, but then there are other chapters where Moss writes like a journalist determined to dispassionately present as many aspects of Icelandic culture and society as she can.
I really enjoyed reading about the differences in schooling, about her impressions of the landscape and the seasons, about what the supermarkets were like and the crazy local drivers and her interactions with her students. Most of the first half of the book is like this. I was less interested in lengthy explanations about the Icelandic economy or myths or beliefs in elves or wartime history. I realise that someone else may feel quite differently and in fact there's at least one review further down the page that says pretty much the opposite of what I've just said. But they were also dissatisfied: I think perhaps Moss had to decide what kind of book she wanted to write and choose one approach or the other.
I've realised that I like my travel accounts to be personal. I've enjoyed books like "Me Myself and Prague" and "Almost French", when the author brings their own background into the story and presents the place that they are living in within the context of their own lives. And parts of "Names for the Sea" are like that, but then there are other chapters where Moss writes like a journalist determined to dispassionately present as many aspects of Icelandic culture and society as she can.
I really enjoyed reading about the differences in schooling, about her impressions of the landscape and the seasons, about what the supermarkets were like and the crazy local drivers and her interactions with her students. Most of the first half of the book is like this. I was less interested in lengthy explanations about the Icelandic economy or myths or beliefs in elves or wartime history. I realise that someone else may feel quite differently and in fact there's at least one review further down the page that says pretty much the opposite of what I've just said. But they were also dissatisfied: I think perhaps Moss had to decide what kind of book she wanted to write and choose one approach or the other.
nickeal1's review against another edition
4.0
Brought back fond memories of our short stay in the wonderful country. Liked author's honesty about her fears and feelings.
abi_g_mac's review
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Really enjoyed this reflection on Iceland, cultural identity and the experience of being a stranger.
The nature writing was beautiful too.
The nature writing was beautiful too.