Far Afield, by Susanna Kaysen

[Stacey]

This was a thoroughly satisfying read, and one I won't soon forget. Thank you to Kathy, my Goodreads ATY buddy, for adding it to the "ATY Members Recommendations List," which I picked for Week 21: a book from one of the polarizing or close call votes.

The story mainly takes place in the remote, but enchanted, Faroe Islands near Iceland. Jonathan Brand, a Cambridge grad student, selects the rainy island chain for his anthropology thesis. It's a one-year stint that teaches him a lot more than simply Skandinavian culture. I really enjoyed reading about the food, although most of it sounds truly gross - except for those frequent temuns; I'm actually thinking of visiting to lose the stubborn 20 lbs I need to lose! There, Jonathan learns about fascinating customs, including the beautifully described barbarism of its whaling tradition, grindadráp, practiced for centuries. The solitude, flora and fauna, all with a touch of magic, sounds idyllic. Plus, there are some very funny scenes throughout the book. Besides Jonathan, my favorite character was, hands down, the temperamental, yet loveable artist, Eyvindur.

The story represents so many things: it's a coming of age story, learning to appreciate your roots, how love comes in so many forms (or not). For me, the message that rings true is that while visiting other places can have its merits, there are also drawbacks, like this:

'The only people who are content here are people who have never left. Once you've been somewhere else, life here doesn't quite make sense. It's all so hard.' She gave him a wan smile. 'it's all slightly broken.'
'I think it works the other way too.'
'What do you mean?'
'Once you've been here, life elsewhere doesn't make sense.'

And so many more great lines and memorable scenes from this terrific author. So glad I got the chance to read this book.

[Kathy]

Wonderful review, Stacy. You captured the story!