Book Blurb:
From the untamed wilds of Iceland's far north comes a deeply heartfelt tale, inspired by the author's own midwife ancestors...
After the death of her sister to a preventable childbirth complication, Sólveig Pétursdóttir is determined to not only do better for women, but to rise above the stigma of illegitimacy she inherited. She completes her three months midwifery training and in the autumn of 1881 is posted to a remote community in the northwest of Iceland.
Helping women doesn’t prove easy as Sólveig contends with reaching births in the harsh and unforgiving landscape, hoping to win the trust of a community steeped in poverty and superstition, while also fighting the temptations of her own heart.
Spanning a dark period in Iceland's history known as the 'dire years', Mother of Light explores the cornerstones of the human experience - birth, death, love and belonging during a time when man lived by the seasons, not the clock and when survival sometimes meant forsaking the heart.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/Lyw4B
Author Bio:
Elin de Ruyter is the author of MOTHER OF LIGHT, her debut novel. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland but raised in Australia, Elin has always had a fascination with her Icelandic ancestry, so much so that she moved back to Iceland in 2020 for two years to write Mother of Light. She loves delving into family history and has worked as a professional genealogist and writer, particularly for Icelandic Roots, where she specialises in the history of Icelandic midwives. She currently lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and four children. Visit her online at www.elinderuyter.com
Editorial Review:
"Mother of Light" is a book written by Elin de Ruyter that transports you to the frozen and
mysterious landscape of Iceland in the 1880s. From the very beginning of the book, we are
greeted with a list of Icelandic words and an index of the main characters, providing us with a
detailed introduction to the world of the novel.
The story begins in December 1880 in Njarðvík, Southern Iceland, where the protagonist,
Sólveig, witnesses the tragedy of her sister and the birth of a child in tragic circumstances.
“Birth and death lingered together in the dimly lit croft made from earth and stone. The scent of blood filled her nostrils, astringent and metallic, and with it came an almost paralysing dread. She approached the bed in the corner of the room. The small window above it rattled against the gasping wind, or was it a soul trying to escape? She shuddered at the thought.”
This experience changes her life, and her journey takes her to Ísafjörður in northwest Iceland,
where she is entrusted with the role of a midwife.
In Ísafjörður, Sólveig faces unforeseen changes in her plans, destined to practice midwifery in
another district, Suðureyri. This change brings unexpected challenges and responsibilities,
placing her in front of an uncertain future.
The author highlights aspects such as the difficult living conditions in rural Iceland, the
struggle for survival, and the need for well-trained medical professionals. Atmospheric
descriptions and details about daily life add authenticity to the story, transporting the reader
through time and space. The characters are well-defined, and their interactions add narrative
depth. Sólveig, with her tragic past, becomes a complex and fascinating character, traveling
through Iceland's harsh landscapes to fulfill a vital mission.
The book also explores sensitive themes, such as the difficulties faced by women in the
19th-century world, interpersonal relationships, and the consequences of choices made in a
conservative society.
The protagonist's interactions with other members of the community, such as Björn and his
family, contribute to shaping the human landscape of the book. Accounts of local traditions,
such as the church and travels around the valley, add an interesting and authentic cultural
element to the story:
“Sunday was not only a day of rest but going to church was a chance for
the community to come together, share gossip, talk sheep and farming, boast of new babies and upcoming weddings.”
Throughout the story, Sólveig undergoes moments of tension and confrontation, highlighting
the complexity of her life and relationships with others. As she develops as a character,
Sólveig seems to find her place in her community, navigating challenges and building
connections with others.
The interactions between characters, such as Sólveig and Krissa, add depth and authenticity
to the relationship between the midwife and the woman giving birth. Additionally, the
relationship with Tobba, Krissa's mother, introduces a note of conflict and tension in the
story, contributing to the complexity of the characters. At the center of the story is Krissa, in
labor, and Sólveig, using her midwifery knowledge to assist in the birth. Detailed descriptions
of labor moments, as well as the increasing tension, bring a unique intensity to the story. Elin
de Ruyter manages to capture the emotions and difficulties involved in the birthing process,
providing the reader with a realistic insight into this world. A turning point in the story occurs
when Sólveig faces a challenging situation during the birth. This sequence adds an element of
suspense and danger, showcasing the midwife's ability to handle unexpected challenges.
The passages revealing the relationship between Sólveig and Albert add another layer of
intrigue to the story. Secondary characters, such as Dísa, Dóra, Einar, and Tobba, bring a
welcome balance to the narrative, offering the reader a broader view of the community during
that time. A notable aspect is the relationship between Sólveig and Albert, who maintain their
resilience despite losses in the community. The story unveils how they support each other and
how Albert assumes a leadership role despite the pain and suffering.
Throughout the book, we witness the evolution of the main character, Sólveig, from a
respected midwife to a strong and independent woman. Her relationship with the little Stella
adds an emotional and human element to the story:
“Sólveig was tired after the day’s events, her body weary, her heart sore, but sleep evaded her. There were so many thoughts running through her mind. She was a married woman now. A wife, and yet here she lay in the same bed she always had, next to baby Stella, while her husband slept in the cot at the opposite end of the room. As one, Albert and Sólveig had decided it was for the best, with Dísa struggling over the changes and Sólveig heavy with child as she was. It had been a subdued affair after the weddings.”
A notable aspect of the book is the portrayal of daily life in a small community in
19th-century Iceland. Details about traditions, harsh climate, and relationships between
characters bring this distant world to life in the eyes of the reader. As the story unfolds, the
author addresses themes such as the community's resilience in the face of extreme weather
conditions and diseases. These elements add a touch of drama and tension to the narrative.
Throughout the book, the author also presents the dynamics of the relationship between
Sólveig and Eiríkur, highlighting his protective attitude and support. The social aspect of the
rural community is also well-defined, with traditions, expectations, and judgments
influencing the residents of Staðureyri. While Sólveig faces personal challenges, such as
Helgi's absence and her emotional confusion, the author manages to paint the portrait of a
strong yet vulnerable woman. Internal struggles and vibrant dialogues add depth to the
characters and create an emotional connection between the reader and the story. Sólveig is
portrayed as a strong and devoted woman to her family. Her relationship with her husband,
Albert, is sensitively illustrated, highlighting the changes and tensions in their dynamics. The
detailed narration of Sólveig's experiences and thoughts adds depth to the character, allowing
the reader to feel and understand her struggles and joys.
Mystery and anticipation are well-managed throughout the book, especially in the scenes
leading up to the childbirth Sólveig attends. These moments bring a touch of tension and
excitement, contrasting with the peaceful rhythm of daily life.
The conclusion of the book brings an emotional and insightful resolution, highlighting the
main character's evolution and emphasizing the central themes of the book - family, love, and
reunification.
“Albert was hers to walk with, and so, too, her son and stepdaughters and the realisation of what she had overwhelmed her with gratitude and love for them all. She didn’t need to face life alone. There would be death, as surely as new life would be born, and she knew with a burgeoning sense of certainty that she would no longer live her life fearing the uncertainty of it. She thought to her sister, Fía, to the mothers and babies lost in childbirth. Life was often hard and cruel, and she wasn’t so naive as to believe that birth was always beautiful. Not every birth ended with joy. Sometimes it was raw and unforgiving, but today it was a blessing. Today it reaffirmed to her the beauty in life, of the sheer little miracles that life saw fit to gift them with and the love and hope that came with them, and she couldn’t help but smile too. This moment. It was all she really had, and she would take it for what it offered and each moment after that. [...] Her hand rested instinctively over her abdomen, knowing how she already anticipated the birth of the child she grew there—new life. A child that represented the tender healing of two broken hearts, a child of hers and Albert’s making. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had a family again. She had found her place, her home, her people, and she was grateful.”
"Mother of Light" offers a captivating insight into rural life in Iceland, highlighting the
complexity of human relationships and the process of finding one's place in the world. Elin
de Ruyter employs a narrative rich in detail and paints a well-defined landscape, creating an
authentic and emotional experience for readers.
In conclusion, "Mother of Light" stands out through its well-constructed narrative and
complex characters. The author conveys authentic emotions and paints a vibrant picture of
life in 19th-century Iceland. The realistic details of the childbirth process and the exploration
of interpersonal dynamics add depth and authenticity to the story. The book not only provides
a captivating story but also offers a detailed exploration of life and culture in Suðureyri,
bringing the reader closer to the atmosphere of the place and its characters. "Mother of Light"
brings Icelandic history to life, presenting characters and events with remarkable freshness.
Elin de Ruyter's vivid style and her ability to create an authentic atmosphere make this book a
compelling and enlightening read.
*****
“Mother of Light” by Elin de Ruyter receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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