A review by boldfacejace
The Little Book of Icelandic: On the idiosyncrasies, delights and sheer tyranny of the Icelandic language by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

5.0

Because I am getting married in Iceland this spring, and because I have an affinity for words and the idiosyncrasies of language, you can imagine my excitement for this highly appropriate book I was gifted for Christmas by a friend. This little book, written by an Icelandic native and translator, does not promise proficiency to its projected audience, but rather serves to entertain with the quirks, funny direct translations, and etymology of the old Germanic language that Icelanders fiercely preserve and protect. The book isn’t all anecdote and history, though—it does have a nice reference for the pronunciation of the Icelandic alphabet and key Icelandic communication words such as greetings, curses, and slang. Sigmundsdóttir has a knack for writing about something that many would regard as dry with such humor and flair, and I believe a love for language is not necessary to enjoy this book. My absolute favorite word I learned is the Icelandic word for dimples: Spékoppar. It directly translates to “mischievous fun pots.” I am happy to have great big dimples—all the better to keep all of my mischief in.

I currently have Alda Sigmundsdóttir's other book, "The Little book of Icelanders" in my shopping cart on Amazon. This book has truly catalyzed my excitement for our trip, and taught me a few words and phrases I can impress our Airbnb hosts with, ha!