posted on 25 Aug 2024

Stranded! A MOSTLY True Story from Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktsson, illustrated by Annie Wilson

Like grandparents the world over, I enjoy telling slightly embellished stories about my past adventures to my grandchildren. But my repertoire is very dull compared to this this example which the back cover blurb promises to be a thrilling tale about a grandfather who ‘got stranded on a volcanic island, was almost turned into a barbeque and found the most important moment in the world.’ 

I loved the vivid colour palette of blues, reds and purples on the front cover which shows intriguingly strange faces peeping out from the volcano with silhouetted figures pointing up at the sky. In contrast, the first pages show a very calm scene with the author’s grey-haired grandfather sitting in a cosy room. We learn that he used to be an explorer, scientist and photographer in Iceland, and that this story is set in 1964. I have always wanted to visit this small island set between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean and so was pleased to see a map advertising some of its well- known features such as trolls, elves and volcanoes. The author clearly loves his country and is keen to share this story about ‘the wishing moment’ which tradition tells occurs every day, if you can find it.   

Back to his intrepid grandfather who heard a thrilling radio announcement about the formation of a new island forming from a volcanic eruption. Most people would be fascinated, but he decided to go to look at it for himself! I loved the double page spread that showed him and his friend travelling towards the new volcanic island on a tiny fishing boat on a relatively calm blue sea. Underneath them is Surtr, the fire giant from Norse mythology suffused with much bolder and brighter colours. They eventually land, wave goodbye to the fisherman and begin to explore and take pictures throughout the day and night. It is an amazing experience because ‘it was a brand-new island, still growing, slowly filling with life.’  

When morning arrives, they realise that, for some reason, the fishing boat has not come back to collect them as arranged. Unfortunately, they hadn’t brought many provisions in case of an emergency such as this, and my eight-year-old grandson was not impressed at this lack of preparation! When they decided to keep warm by sleeping for the second night next to the volcano, he put his hand to his head saying’ They must have been crazy’!

The tension rises as they walk towards the running lava, hoping for that magic moment that might help them to solve their scary dilemma. We gasped when the next morning revealed that grandfather’s glasses had actually melted during the night!

The physical ordeal continues, but the stunning artwork helped us to realise what an impressive place this was to be with explosive colours and spooky shapes all around them. My grandson wryly commented that ‘At least they might get distracted from nearly dying of heat and thirst’!

Without spoiling the ending, you will be glad to hear that his grandfather does find his magic moment which means that they are safely rescued.

We really liked the way in which the author interacts throughout with the reader asking questions about what might be true and what might be fiction. He also makes funny comments criticising the various decisions, rather reminiscent of Lemony Snicket. This unusual story should instigate plenty of discussion about Iceland and Norse mythology with children. They will hopefully also be inspired to create some colourful artwork.  

This compelling and beautifully illustrated book is published by Barefoot Books and is now available from your local independent bookshop. They should be able to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

Karen Argent

August 2024