Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World

Iceland sounds idyllic with gender equality a tempting selling point. Women stride through the pages showing their position alongside rather than behind the menfolk. And until later sections when the equality frays just a little at the edges in workforce leadership the equality, even preference for women holds firm. The government’s social services contribute substantially to birth, schooling, and childcare, and generous post-natal leave for both ‘parent one’ and ‘parent two.’ Extended family and the camaraderie of traditional women’s groups are an added blessing.

Eliza Reid, a Canadian journalist wears another hat as the wife of Gudni Jóhannesson President of Iceland. Playing an almost symbolic rather than political role, she presents a charmingly personal account of life in contemporary Iceland, Readers enjoy her mildly sedate romp through the joys of guilt-free sex, and readily available contraception and abortion, which may raise a few eyebrows.

Farming and fishing are the country’s two economic mainstays and both well served by women, likewise sport on land and sea. Several grants help women, almost all working outside the home, to pursue their literary and artistic talents. Secrets of the Sprakkar translates to Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and shows pleasure need not be a guilt trip.