Dálvi

Six Years in the Arctic Tundra

De: Laura Galloway

Narrado por: Laura Lefkow

An ancestry test suggesting she shared some DNA with the Sámi people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic tundra, tapped into Laura Galloway's wanderlust; an affair with a Sámi reindeer herder ultimately led her to leave New York for the tiny town of Kautokeino, Norway. When her new boyfriend left her unexpectedly after six months, it would have been easy, and perhaps prudent, to return home. But she stayed for six years.

Dálvi is the story of Laura's time in a reindeer-herding village in the Arctic, forging a solitary existence as she struggled to learn the language and make her way in a remote community for which there were no guidebooks or manuals for how to fit in. Her time in the North opened her to a new world. And it brought something else as well: reconciliation and peace with the traumatic events that had previously defined her - the sudden death of her mother when she was three, a difficult childhood, and her lifelong search for connection and a sense of home.

Both a heartrending memoir and a love letter to the singular landscape of the region, Dálvi explores with great warmth and humility what it means to truly belong.

©2021 Laura Galloway (P)2021 Tantor

A Unique Journey

The narrator was fantastic! Perfectly matched with this memoir. The plot itself was intriguing. I love synchronistic off-the-beaten-path type tales, and this was definitely that. I also really enjoyed the structure of the book - how she wove together two vastly different periods of her life, alternating chapter by chapter. In a lot of ways we all live partially in the past and partially in the present. I wouldn't have thought it would work, but it just made sense. To top it all off, the lady that cuts my hair was one of the "Supercuts" girls mentioned in the text.

The only downside was that sometimes I struggled to keep up with all the Norwegian names.

Fascinating and Heartwarming

I found this book to be engrossing and inspiring. I admire Laura for her resilience and kindness. I was truly sorry when the book ended. The narrator does an excellent job bringing the story to life. Highly recommend!

Relatable adventure

One of my fav books this year. Engaging and spirited. Highly recommended if you want to be inspired.

Great Listen

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Now I'd love to visit Norway and learn a little bit about the Sami culture. Also want to try reindeer.

Uplifting

With a willingness to take risks and follow her heart, Laura explores one of the most isolated places on earth. Courage, girl! Waiting for the sequel!