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Mother of Light: A Novel
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.
*Trigger Warning: graphic birth scenes, infant loss, miscarriage and sex scenes.
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.
*Trigger Warning: graphic birth scenes, infant loss, miscarriage and sex scenes.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 1, 2023
survival
The model on the cover, with her wild and harried look, is a good metaphor for the story that follows.
🇮🇸 The story was epic, and complex, and seemed to be little more than a raw, rough, down-to-the-bone struggle to survive the harsh Icelandic climate (which felt like an all-year winter to me). Then other survival skills had to come into play, so that relationships could be endured, and religion, superstition, broken hearts, broken dreams, and constant death. As the story grew it became Shakespearean in depth and detail, or like unto a story pulled from Norse mythology, or Greek (like the Odyssey), or Jewish (a tale from the Hebrew Scriptures).
I’m tempted to call it a tragedy, but that would only be accurate in some aspects. There were victories, some children were born alive, some relationships did make it through, love and tenderness did sometimes find a way. Nevertheless, the overall feeling I came away with was that I’d been struck and bludgeoned by a tale that had no mercy, or very little, and that the characters had been struck down with me. What joy and light they did find came at a high price and by the skin of their teeth. Making it, I suppose, all that more meaningful and critical to cling to.
[3.75. The prose could be rather stiff and turgid at times and the novel often enough moved ahead slowly and ponderously. Even tediously. This, of course, is my subjective opinion, which is all any of us can offer on Goodreads or anywhere else. Nevertheless, it remains in my mind a significant work of art.]
The model on the cover, with her wild and harried look, is a good metaphor for the story that follows.
🇮🇸 The story was epic, and complex, and seemed to be little more than a raw, rough, down-to-the-bone struggle to survive the harsh Icelandic climate (which felt like an all-year winter to me). Then other survival skills had to come into play, so that relationships could be endured, and religion, superstition, broken hearts, broken dreams, and constant death. As the story grew it became Shakespearean in depth and detail, or like unto a story pulled from Norse mythology, or Greek (like the Odyssey), or Jewish (a tale from the Hebrew Scriptures).
I’m tempted to call it a tragedy, but that would only be accurate in some aspects. There were victories, some children were born alive, some relationships did make it through, love and tenderness did sometimes find a way. Nevertheless, the overall feeling I came away with was that I’d been struck and bludgeoned by a tale that had no mercy, or very little, and that the characters had been struck down with me. What joy and light they did find came at a high price and by the skin of their teeth. Making it, I suppose, all that more meaningful and critical to cling to.
[3.75. The prose could be rather stiff and turgid at times and the novel often enough moved ahead slowly and ponderously. Even tediously. This, of course, is my subjective opinion, which is all any of us can offer on Goodreads or anywhere else. Nevertheless, it remains in my mind a significant work of art.]
July 14, 2023
Where to start with this stunning historical fiction debut? This is the novel of my dreams, and Elin is my new favorite historical fiction author!
First of all, the TITLE. A translation of the Icelandic word for midwife, ljósmóðir, which literally translates as "mother of light." And this book lives up to its name, full of Icelandic history & lore, as well as a beautiful celebration of family and motherhood.
The entire book was so well researched. I had no idea how Icelandic farms and households operated, but every little detail from the baðstofa, (where the entire household slept) to the many uses of sheep (bone toys for babies, blood & liver sausage, sheepskin on windows) was just so fascinating.
The plot was incredibly powerful. I don't want to say too much about it for fear of spoiling it, but just know that the way Elin writes romance is perfection, so sweet, tender, and thrilling. And the ending! A stunning climax that built up to tie all the themes of love and loss and folklore and motherhood together.
First of all, the TITLE. A translation of the Icelandic word for midwife, ljósmóðir, which literally translates as "mother of light." And this book lives up to its name, full of Icelandic history & lore, as well as a beautiful celebration of family and motherhood.
The entire book was so well researched. I had no idea how Icelandic farms and households operated, but every little detail from the baðstofa, (where the entire household slept) to the many uses of sheep (bone toys for babies, blood & liver sausage, sheepskin on windows) was just so fascinating.
The plot was incredibly powerful. I don't want to say too much about it for fear of spoiling it, but just know that the way Elin writes romance is perfection, so sweet, tender, and thrilling. And the ending! A stunning climax that built up to tie all the themes of love and loss and folklore and motherhood together.
June 29, 2023
Guess I’m a historical fiction fan.
Look, I love history. My dad got me into reading non-fiction at a young age, and I still pick up history and science books for fun (they also are excellent for my writing research and world-building, but that’s beside the point). Despite my non-fiction interest, I’ve preferred to consume the more fantastical side of fiction for the past few years. But when I first saw the unique setting and subject matter of this novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Folks, this turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year. I often read stories of such epic scope that I forget just how high stakes every day life can be, especially when set in the brutal yet beautiful landscape of late 1800s Iceland. I cried so many times while reading this book, and while I’ll admit I cry somewhat easily when I care about a character, I don’t easily connect to characters this strongly. De Ruyter is a skilled storyteller, and the way she crafted this tale made me question several times whether or not this was a debut. There are many things to love about this book, and it’s an easy five-star read for me, but here are some of my favorite things:
The research:
I see you yawning. Don’t yawn. The amount of love and attention to detail that went into recreating the setting for this story is jaw-dropping. The author literally moved back to Iceland from Australia to properly research both the land and its history (also her family history, I might add). Because of this, the world comes alive, and all the little details added make the setting a living, breathing character of its own. It is not in anyway info-dumpy, though, nor does it bog down the story with useless details. Everything is relevant and important.
The subject matter:
Let’s continue to normalize the journey of child-bearing like this, please? All the ups and downs of a pregnancy, all the pains and beauty of birth, all the trials and rewards of raising a child. This story doesn’t shy away from it all, nor does brush it aside as irrelevant because it IS the story. It’s handled masterfully, and I found myself taking notes throughout. Midwifery is only now resurfacing in modern culture, and it's important to understand the women who paved the way to normalizing it.
The characters:
Easily the most important part of a story for me. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know the characters are the defining line between a five or four-star read and a DNF. It’s that simple. I cared SO much about this whole cast. The emotion it evoked from me was genuine, and I worried and cheered for our MC, Sólveig, every step of the way. Helgi and Albert are also favorites. I cried with the characters, laughed with them, wished I could punch a few. Sólveig’s ARC was everything I wanted it to be.
I will say that I wouldn’t recommend reading this if you are pregnant or processing any birth trauma. I’ve had two traumatic c-sections and two miscarriages, and I wouldn’t have been able to handle certain birth scenes in the story if I wasn’t a year past my most recent delivery.
If you are in a place to process those scenes, though, I highly recommend this story. Even if historical fiction isn’t your usual cup of tea, maybe give it a go. As a newbie to the genre, this certainly ignited my fire for it. Loved this story from start to finish, and I will pick up whatever this author writes next.
Look, I love history. My dad got me into reading non-fiction at a young age, and I still pick up history and science books for fun (they also are excellent for my writing research and world-building, but that’s beside the point). Despite my non-fiction interest, I’ve preferred to consume the more fantastical side of fiction for the past few years. But when I first saw the unique setting and subject matter of this novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Folks, this turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year. I often read stories of such epic scope that I forget just how high stakes every day life can be, especially when set in the brutal yet beautiful landscape of late 1800s Iceland. I cried so many times while reading this book, and while I’ll admit I cry somewhat easily when I care about a character, I don’t easily connect to characters this strongly. De Ruyter is a skilled storyteller, and the way she crafted this tale made me question several times whether or not this was a debut. There are many things to love about this book, and it’s an easy five-star read for me, but here are some of my favorite things:
The research:
I see you yawning. Don’t yawn. The amount of love and attention to detail that went into recreating the setting for this story is jaw-dropping. The author literally moved back to Iceland from Australia to properly research both the land and its history (also her family history, I might add). Because of this, the world comes alive, and all the little details added make the setting a living, breathing character of its own. It is not in anyway info-dumpy, though, nor does it bog down the story with useless details. Everything is relevant and important.
The subject matter:
Let’s continue to normalize the journey of child-bearing like this, please? All the ups and downs of a pregnancy, all the pains and beauty of birth, all the trials and rewards of raising a child. This story doesn’t shy away from it all, nor does brush it aside as irrelevant because it IS the story. It’s handled masterfully, and I found myself taking notes throughout. Midwifery is only now resurfacing in modern culture, and it's important to understand the women who paved the way to normalizing it.
The characters:
Easily the most important part of a story for me. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know the characters are the defining line between a five or four-star read and a DNF. It’s that simple. I cared SO much about this whole cast. The emotion it evoked from me was genuine, and I worried and cheered for our MC, Sólveig, every step of the way. Helgi and Albert are also favorites. I cried with the characters, laughed with them, wished I could punch a few. Sólveig’s ARC was everything I wanted it to be.
I will say that I wouldn’t recommend reading this if you are pregnant or processing any birth trauma. I’ve had two traumatic c-sections and two miscarriages, and I wouldn’t have been able to handle certain birth scenes in the story if I wasn’t a year past my most recent delivery.
If you are in a place to process those scenes, though, I highly recommend this story. Even if historical fiction isn’t your usual cup of tea, maybe give it a go. As a newbie to the genre, this certainly ignited my fire for it. Loved this story from start to finish, and I will pick up whatever this author writes next.
July 9, 2023
Sometimes when you start a new book it might take a while to warm to the authors writing style but I had none of that with this book. I was swept up from the opening paragraph and found the writing wonderfully engaging.
In fact not once, throughout this entire novel, was I ever bored. It was an effortless read and very hard to put down. Actually, not quite true: there was one point when I had to put the book down for just a minute, and that was just so I could gather myself before I continued with the next chapter - it was that hard-hitting.
The characters felt so vivid, so real, and honestly, I found myself crying a few times during this read. Disclaimer: I never cry when reading, but there I was wiping the tears from my face. I was quite shocked at how this book affected me. But then when I thought about it, I shouldn’t have been. The writing was beautiful, the characters well-developed, and the story compelling.
At one point I was reading whilst sitting in the garden on a roasting hot day, and I became so unaware of my surroundings. I wasn’t in the garden with the sun beating down in me. I was in the harsh and bitter landscapes of Iceland, I was with Solveig in that snow, willing her with every fibre of my being to make it through. I was utterly transported. And that is pure magic.
It's been a while since a piece of writing has affected me so. Elin has created something very special here and I feel privileged to have read this advanced copy prior to its release next month. I’m desperate for this book to do well and find an army of readers who I'm sure will fall in love with Solveig's story.
It's worth mentioning that this book was inspired by the author's ancestors. It was a tough and unrelenting time in Iceland but this story demonstrates what it is to be human, the importance of hope and perseverance, and the beauty of love.
I cannot praise this book highly enough 🙌🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
In fact not once, throughout this entire novel, was I ever bored. It was an effortless read and very hard to put down. Actually, not quite true: there was one point when I had to put the book down for just a minute, and that was just so I could gather myself before I continued with the next chapter - it was that hard-hitting.
The characters felt so vivid, so real, and honestly, I found myself crying a few times during this read. Disclaimer: I never cry when reading, but there I was wiping the tears from my face. I was quite shocked at how this book affected me. But then when I thought about it, I shouldn’t have been. The writing was beautiful, the characters well-developed, and the story compelling.
At one point I was reading whilst sitting in the garden on a roasting hot day, and I became so unaware of my surroundings. I wasn’t in the garden with the sun beating down in me. I was in the harsh and bitter landscapes of Iceland, I was with Solveig in that snow, willing her with every fibre of my being to make it through. I was utterly transported. And that is pure magic.
It's been a while since a piece of writing has affected me so. Elin has created something very special here and I feel privileged to have read this advanced copy prior to its release next month. I’m desperate for this book to do well and find an army of readers who I'm sure will fall in love with Solveig's story.
It's worth mentioning that this book was inspired by the author's ancestors. It was a tough and unrelenting time in Iceland but this story demonstrates what it is to be human, the importance of hope and perseverance, and the beauty of love.
I cannot praise this book highly enough 🙌🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 26, 2023
Highly recommend this book for those who love a historical fiction with some romance. So accurately and beautifully written in a way that throws you back in time and you almost relive the hard ways of the 1800s. Couldn’t put this book down, drew me in right away! Once again, definitely recommend this read!!!
July 3, 2023
I loved this book. It's not a short book and I finished it in 24 hours.
My grandmother is Icelandic and I'm drawn the rich history and culture so when I saw the premise of this novel, I was excited to start it.
This book did not disappoint. It has a strong female main character, an amazing and harsh setting, great characters, romance, sadness. Everything you'd want from a great historical fiction.
As a side note, there are a few open door bedroom scenes. I didn't mind them in this particular book but it's nice knowing going into it for some readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My grandmother is Icelandic and I'm drawn the rich history and culture so when I saw the premise of this novel, I was excited to start it.
This book did not disappoint. It has a strong female main character, an amazing and harsh setting, great characters, romance, sadness. Everything you'd want from a great historical fiction.
As a side note, there are a few open door bedroom scenes. I didn't mind them in this particular book but it's nice knowing going into it for some readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2023
A beautifully written story about a young, strong willed midwife set in the harsh landscape of Iceland in the 1800s. Through Solveig's story the author transports you back in time giving you an insight into the daily hardships that people faced living in this era, whilst weaving into her story love, hope, sorrow and friendship. This book brought me to tears, leaving me feeling heartbroken at times but also left me with a heart full of love and hope. Definitely a must read.
February 28, 2024
Beautifully written, meticulously researched, with characters you empathize with and root for--this book packed an emotional punch that left me both breathless and content. I cried, which was not unexpected, but ultimately was left with a feeling of content. Sólveig's journey is full of hope and sorrow, every emotion raw and unapologetic, and I couldn't help but root for her stubborn independence, even when it would clearly lead to disaster. I also appreciated the male leads in this book, Albert and Helgi, and care about all of the characters.
I have always wanted to visit Iceland, fascinated by the images I've seen of its stunning, unyielding landscapes, and de Ruyter painted such a vivid picture of both its beauty and dangers that now I want to visit it even more. I could picture the farms, fjord, and cliffside paths clearly, and her beautiful imagery and writing transported me to Iceland in the 1880s. Elin's attention to detail was astounding. Her extensive research is apparent in every paragraph, and enriches the story and especially the characters, because the details are woven in so seamlessly and read so naturally that you really believe you are there with them, sharing their experiences and hardships.
I also just really appreciate the subject matter of this book. I was a little nervous going in, knowing I have had mental health issues related to pregnancies/births/babies in the past, and knowing a lot of readers cried and had a visceral emotional response to this book, but I'm so glad I read it. I cried, but not at the parts I was expecting to cry, and I felt like this was an emotional journey I needed to go on, on a personal level. I think the way de Ruyter honoured the important role of midwives, and the different realities and varied experiences women face in all aspects of having children was handled very tactfully.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was the way nature was so closely linked and interwoven with the characters' stories, not only informing the trajectory of their lives and the plot points, but also mirroring the personal, inner themes and struggles the characters faced. Elin de Ruyter has written a beautiful, poetic story that now holds a special place in my heart.
I have always wanted to visit Iceland, fascinated by the images I've seen of its stunning, unyielding landscapes, and de Ruyter painted such a vivid picture of both its beauty and dangers that now I want to visit it even more. I could picture the farms, fjord, and cliffside paths clearly, and her beautiful imagery and writing transported me to Iceland in the 1880s. Elin's attention to detail was astounding. Her extensive research is apparent in every paragraph, and enriches the story and especially the characters, because the details are woven in so seamlessly and read so naturally that you really believe you are there with them, sharing their experiences and hardships.
I also just really appreciate the subject matter of this book. I was a little nervous going in, knowing I have had mental health issues related to pregnancies/births/babies in the past, and knowing a lot of readers cried and had a visceral emotional response to this book, but I'm so glad I read it. I cried, but not at the parts I was expecting to cry, and I felt like this was an emotional journey I needed to go on, on a personal level. I think the way de Ruyter honoured the important role of midwives, and the different realities and varied experiences women face in all aspects of having children was handled very tactfully.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was the way nature was so closely linked and interwoven with the characters' stories, not only informing the trajectory of their lives and the plot points, but also mirroring the personal, inner themes and struggles the characters faced. Elin de Ruyter has written a beautiful, poetic story that now holds a special place in my heart.
June 23, 2023
I don't normally leave written reviews, but I am just so in love with this book that I had to. The overall vibe is a moody historical fiction with a touching romance element that is delicately woven in. It is the first book I have read that was set in 1800s Iceland, and I was fascinated to learn about medicine and midwifery in those times as well as getting a glimpse of what it means to live and survive in such a cold, beautiful and sometimes cruel place. Oh and the cultural elements, myths and customs that were scattered throughout were enlightening and have brought me a deeper understanding of the country.
The characters were realistic, well developed and I found myself becoming very emotionally invested in Solveig's story. I found myself laughing and crying and literally feeling the emotions of the characters as they traversed the highs and the lows. I love love love this book, and hope the author has some more works coming soon, as I neeed to read more books like this!!!
The characters were realistic, well developed and I found myself becoming very emotionally invested in Solveig's story. I found myself laughing and crying and literally feeling the emotions of the characters as they traversed the highs and the lows. I love love love this book, and hope the author has some more works coming soon, as I neeed to read more books like this!!!
July 11, 2023
NOTE: I was given a free copy of this manuscript and am writing this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens and Yifa Press. Publication Date: July 9, 2023
I feel like I have just time traveled to Iceland and glimpsed life there in the 1880s. A vivid novel about a newly trained midwife settling and then surviving in a hostile and remote area.
Sólveig (pronounced soul-vay), is an independent young woman with no family left. Having just completed a three-month training as a midwife, she is ready to build a new life. Sólveig is sent to a remote Icelandic village where there is only an elderly woman available to support women in childbirth. Sólveig takes up residence in a household shared by two families and begins the work of establishing her practice. Many are suspicious of newcomers, especially YOUNG women. But by working slowly she is determined to earn their trust.
It's a hard life. Food is often scarce. Few are literate. And change is hard. Nevertheless, human beings still fall in love and marry. Children are born and families survive great suffering and grief. The novel gave me an opportunity to learn how people live in such isolated areas:
• How everyone must depend on one another,
• How desolate winters are with all-day darkness,
• How much work and risk was involved in fishing and storing the supplies needed to survive the long, cold months of winter,
• How diseases we don't even think about (measles) could decimate a village,
• And, what a luxury it was to have care from a trained medical professional.
There's plenty of explicit OB/GYN drama in this young midwife's first year - including breech births, too frequent pregnancies (there is no birth control, of course), stillbirths, and spousal abuse. Add to that the dangers faced in everyday life, where every fishing expedition means facing possible death.
This is this Australian writer Elin de Ruyter's first novel, inspired by her own great-great grandmother's story. It is well-researched and I found it both enjoyable and promising. But there were, to me, a few rookie missteps. I disappointingly was able to guess correctly about three major plot twists long before they occurred. And I found the concluding chapter a bit heavy-handed, as though de Ruyter didn't quite trust us readers to figure out the "moral" of her story. But I definitely recommend it.
I feel like I have just time traveled to Iceland and glimpsed life there in the 1880s. A vivid novel about a newly trained midwife settling and then surviving in a hostile and remote area.
Sólveig (pronounced soul-vay), is an independent young woman with no family left. Having just completed a three-month training as a midwife, she is ready to build a new life. Sólveig is sent to a remote Icelandic village where there is only an elderly woman available to support women in childbirth. Sólveig takes up residence in a household shared by two families and begins the work of establishing her practice. Many are suspicious of newcomers, especially YOUNG women. But by working slowly she is determined to earn their trust.
It's a hard life. Food is often scarce. Few are literate. And change is hard. Nevertheless, human beings still fall in love and marry. Children are born and families survive great suffering and grief. The novel gave me an opportunity to learn how people live in such isolated areas:
• How everyone must depend on one another,
• How desolate winters are with all-day darkness,
• How much work and risk was involved in fishing and storing the supplies needed to survive the long, cold months of winter,
• How diseases we don't even think about (measles) could decimate a village,
• And, what a luxury it was to have care from a trained medical professional.
There's plenty of explicit OB/GYN drama in this young midwife's first year - including breech births, too frequent pregnancies (there is no birth control, of course), stillbirths, and spousal abuse. Add to that the dangers faced in everyday life, where every fishing expedition means facing possible death.
This is this Australian writer Elin de Ruyter's first novel, inspired by her own great-great grandmother's story. It is well-researched and I found it both enjoyable and promising. But there were, to me, a few rookie missteps. I disappointingly was able to guess correctly about three major plot twists long before they occurred. And I found the concluding chapter a bit heavy-handed, as though de Ruyter didn't quite trust us readers to figure out the "moral" of her story. But I definitely recommend it.
July 11, 2023
‘The strands of fate have already been woven, but its pattern we do not see. Do not blame yourself - for what has been and what is to come.’
‘The days will come and so, too, the solution.’
‘Follow the raven.’
What a gorgeous debut book! I really enjoyed the character of Solveig. She is fierce and brave, compassionate and strong in a time that was sadly unkind to a lot of women and what they had to survive.
This book is vulnerable and heartwarming, raw and heartbreaking at times. I appreciated particularly the nuance that the author wove with her storytelling. The realities of childbirth. The beauty of found family. The hardships that so many of these characters endured with fierce grace.
There is gentle humour, the writing is heartfelt and the pacing pretty seamless, especially for historical fiction. I loved going on the journey with these characters and definitely teared up at what they go through. I smiled at their survival.
I also appreciated the map and detailed glossary at the beginning of the book as there is a lot of names and information to recall. There were a couple parts where it felt like the pacing slowed down a bit, but the dialogue and Norse folktales woven into the story worked really well.
I particularly loved the ending and the evolution of Solveig’s story.
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
‘The days will come and so, too, the solution.’
‘Follow the raven.’
What a gorgeous debut book! I really enjoyed the character of Solveig. She is fierce and brave, compassionate and strong in a time that was sadly unkind to a lot of women and what they had to survive.
This book is vulnerable and heartwarming, raw and heartbreaking at times. I appreciated particularly the nuance that the author wove with her storytelling. The realities of childbirth. The beauty of found family. The hardships that so many of these characters endured with fierce grace.
There is gentle humour, the writing is heartfelt and the pacing pretty seamless, especially for historical fiction. I loved going on the journey with these characters and definitely teared up at what they go through. I smiled at their survival.
I also appreciated the map and detailed glossary at the beginning of the book as there is a lot of names and information to recall. There were a couple parts where it felt like the pacing slowed down a bit, but the dialogue and Norse folktales woven into the story worked really well.
I particularly loved the ending and the evolution of Solveig’s story.
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
June 26, 2023
What a beautifully written debut from this author! I have already read it twice now and savoured every moment of it. I fell in love with the characters, the folklore and Iceland itself. The author has given such a beautiful and enlightening picture of what life was really like back in 1800s Iceland, and she brought to life what the people would have been like too. Life definitely wouldn't have been easy back then! I highly recommend this book to all lovers of not only just historical fiction and romance fiction but also lovers of books with rich characters and deep relationships and connections. A roller-coaster of emotions and I loved every minute of it.
July 11, 2023
Amazing debut by Elin de Ruyter. This novel will stay with me for quite some time. Mother of Light is a translation of the Icelandic word for midwife, which is the perfect title for such a moving novel. There aren’t many books that deeply toy with your emotions, and this one pulled at my heartstrings multiple times and brought me to tears.
Be prepared to be transported to a remote community in Iceland in the late 1800s where Solveig becomes part of the community as the midwife. Pure raw love, culture and a bit of magic. #booksirens
Be prepared to be transported to a remote community in Iceland in the late 1800s where Solveig becomes part of the community as the midwife. Pure raw love, culture and a bit of magic. #booksirens
July 2, 2023
This delightfully book gave me a ‘trip’ to Iceland.
Elin managed to write a fascinating tale of what it was like to live in Iceland in earlier years. Her description of the nature, family life in remote farms and history of midwife’s was superb. The interaction between people’s daily struggle, work, love and life made the book difficult to put down.
Elin managed to write a fascinating tale of what it was like to live in Iceland in earlier years. Her description of the nature, family life in remote farms and history of midwife’s was superb. The interaction between people’s daily struggle, work, love and life made the book difficult to put down.
July 20, 2023
I am officially a historical fiction convert, thank you Elin for writing such a beautiful novel!
August 2, 2023
A fascinating story set in Iceland during the 19th century,
The tale of a young inexperienced midwife starting her
career in a remote community in north west Iceland makes
compelling reading. The culture and customs are described with feeling, and the harshness of life so dependent on the
weather and seasons makes you wonder why people chose to exist there. A very moving novel in which the author draws
on some experiences of her ancestors.A fascinating story set in Iceland during the 19th century,
The tale of a young inexperienced midwife starting her
career in a remote community in north west Iceland makes
compelling reading. The culture and customs are described with feeling, and the harshness of life so dependent on the
weather and seasons makes you wonder why people chose to exist there. A very moving novel in which the author draws
on some experiences of her ancestors.
The tale of a young inexperienced midwife starting her
career in a remote community in north west Iceland makes
compelling reading. The culture and customs are described with feeling, and the harshness of life so dependent on the
weather and seasons makes you wonder why people chose to exist there. A very moving novel in which the author draws
on some experiences of her ancestors.A fascinating story set in Iceland during the 19th century,
The tale of a young inexperienced midwife starting her
career in a remote community in north west Iceland makes
compelling reading. The culture and customs are described with feeling, and the harshness of life so dependent on the
weather and seasons makes you wonder why people chose to exist there. A very moving novel in which the author draws
on some experiences of her ancestors.
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed this story, much of it based on historical evidence, of a young woman newly trained as a midwife, as she takes up her calling in a community in Iceland. She learns to find love and family in her new community, and although her independent nature gets her into trouble several times, she learns that she can depend on others to support her.
As well as enjoying the story line itself, I found the description of Icelandic customs fascinating. I wondered as I read how well I would be able to adapt to life in such an unforgiving climate.
I hope this author will continue to share her knowledge of Iceland with readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As well as enjoying the story line itself, I found the description of Icelandic customs fascinating. I wondered as I read how well I would be able to adapt to life in such an unforgiving climate.
I hope this author will continue to share her knowledge of Iceland with readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2023
One of the most beautifully moving boos I have ever read. Every page held my attention in an emotionally conective way to Solveig. The details and descriptions were so vivid that I could feel, smell, see, hear everything along this most amazing journey. I felt a sense of connection that I've never experienced before. Elin certainly has the Icelandic gift of storytelling and then to turn the pages at the end and learn of her personal connection to, and the real people this book was based on, was the moment all the withheld tears began to fall. If anyone is interested not only in a great read, but a feel for Icelandic history in some of the harshest times, then this is the book that will transport you through time and place to truly understand what it was like.
July 29, 2023
What a wonderful novel! Extremely interesting as to midwifery in 1880, extremely interesting as to the descriptions of the harsh life conditions in Iceland, this novel was read very quickly. A subplot with romance which did not really detain my attention (hence the 4*review), and which I found rather predictable in its outcome. Well researched details about the social conditions of these times also evoking the old beliefs of the Hidden people which I found particularly fascinating. Overall a novel well worth reading!
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this novel from BookSirens and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this novel from BookSirens and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
August 14, 2023
This is an amazing account of the lives of women in Iceland during the 1880s—especially the career of a midwife or “mother of light.” The measles epidemic and the challenges presented by weather and the sea are described in a way that places the reader there, vividly living those experiences. There’s also some romance in this historical novel. I could not put this book down! I was especially interested, due to my grandmother being an Icelandic immigrant and a midwife in North Dakota at the turn of the century. Any feminist would love this book! Read it!
August 6, 2023
I was drawn to this book because I was brought into this world by a midwife in Iceland, albeit in the city of Reykjavik almost a century after the time of this story. I treasure this book for the insight into the life of my ancestors. The struggles that the characters faced were incomprehensible but the underlying themes of the shame unwed motherhood and love carrying on after great loss, endure through generations. Beautifully crafted, intertwining history and passion.
March 11, 2024
A genuinely heartwarming novel
Mother of Light is a genuinely heartwarming, well-written and well-researched novel. As someone who lives in Iceland, I could connect with the weather, seasons and locations - Elin describes them so well. Life was hard! I could well imagine this novel being made into a series or a film. A highly recommended read!
Mother of Light is a genuinely heartwarming, well-written and well-researched novel. As someone who lives in Iceland, I could connect with the weather, seasons and locations - Elin describes them so well. Life was hard! I could well imagine this novel being made into a series or a film. A highly recommended read!
August 19, 2023
Such a beautiful story, so well written and engaging. Can t wait to read more from Elin!
August 27, 2023
I loved this book, so well researched and a beautiful story. I loved that it was inspired by the author’s own ancestors.
December 29, 2023
Educational
Wonderful picture into not only midwifery, but life in general for people of Iceland in late 1800s.
Strongly recommend this book
Wonderful picture into not only midwifery, but life in general for people of Iceland in late 1800s.
Strongly recommend this book
March 1, 2024
Great writing! I really got a sense of how it would be to live in Iceland in 1882 as a woman. Beautiful, lyrical, sensual!
Thank you Elin De Ruyter
Thank you Elin De Ruyter
May 8, 2025
A really well paced drama with fascinating insight into historical Icelandic life.
It was easy to immerse myself into Mother of Light, the writing was descriptive and the drama was constant and gratifying. Even though much of the plot was predictable, it still resolved in a way that was satisfying. Whenever I was forced to put the book down, I found myself itching to return to it.
Elin de Ruyter expertly creates a world which feels very authentic. I could easily imagine all the locations and people described, the Icelandic home in particular felt almost tangible. I definitely learnt a lot during reading, and appreciate how authentic the novel feels overall. Although, there is one detail in the book which has me debating if it’s untrue or just incredibly well researched, because a google search returns nothing.
The only thing I disliked about the book was the way were written. The tone of those chapters felt different to the rest of the book, kind of like they were plucked out of . They make sense plot wise, but something about the writing style of them felt out of place.
It was easy to immerse myself into Mother of Light, the writing was descriptive and the drama was constant and gratifying. Even though much of the plot was predictable, it still resolved in a way that was satisfying. Whenever I was forced to put the book down, I found myself itching to return to it.
Elin de Ruyter expertly creates a world which feels very authentic. I could easily imagine all the locations and people described, the Icelandic home in particular felt almost tangible. I definitely learnt a lot during reading, and appreciate how authentic the novel feels overall. Although, there is one detail in the book which has me debating if it’s untrue or just incredibly well researched, because a google search returns nothing.
The only thing I disliked about the book was the way were written. The tone of those chapters felt different to the rest of the book, kind of like they were plucked out of . They make sense plot wise, but something about the writing style of them felt out of place.
May 8, 2025
While I found parts of the story predictable, I still very much enjoyed it. Living in Iceland myself and having studied some of its history, I thought the historical accuracy of living conditions and the strong believes in the Huldufólk, ghosts, and spirits was well researched and portrayed. I also enjoyed how the story interlaced fiction with historical events.
July 17, 2024
One of my tests for good writing is when it creates a world that is more real than the one I'm physically living in. Mother of Light does that: I was so absorbed in the world of the story that I completely lost the sense of what was happening in my actual world. The cold climate was brought to life so powerfully that I felt cold reading... and I live in Queensland! The characters and relationships are very real and believable. While I wouldn't want to live in that climate or with those hardships, I found the people and era interesting and inspiring. I would also like to salute Elin's beautiful prose in the realm of love, romance and love-making. And I salute midwives (and mothers) the world around, who trust women's bodies, nature, babies, innate wisdom. Mother of Light is an important historical record as well as an absorbing, enjoyable read.
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