Where the f**k is Blönduós?: Driving and surviving a winter in Iceland

Where the f**k is Blönduós? is both a triumph of travel writing and a masterpiece of memoir. It deserves a space on every bookcase and in every suitcase. Richard Moriarty - The Sun. Having survived a terrifying burglary, Emma had reached a point in life where she feared being awake and dreaded falling asleep. She grabbed her late mother's notebooks, packed her car with warm clothes, a swimsuit that had seen better days, a set of winter tyres and a brand new tent, and caught a ferry to Iceland. Surtsey was an unexpected eruption - just as my own birth was unplanned and something of an interruption. So captivated by the magic of Iceland, our mother returned home with a bar of Toblerone for each of us. There were no hugs or questions as to our welfare. My sisters and I had been alone for three weeks. I was almost 5 years old. Inspired by a six-month journey to Iceland in wintertime, "Where the f**k is Blönduós?" is moving, honest, and entertaining. Why would a middle-aged woman choose to spend a winter alone in the far north of Iceland? It's a fair question, though the answer isn't quite so straightforward. I dreamed of lying on a blanket gazing up into the night sky, holding my breath in anticipation of the colourful aurora that may soon dance overhead, without being asked, "Will you be long?" By battling the elements, conquering her fears, and learning to knit, all under the watchful gaze of the small community, Emma made sense of the past, found peace with the present, and felt strong enough to deal with the future. Authentic, gripping, and as vivid as a cold winter's night, this inspirational Icelandic adventure will take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and healing. Chris Riches - Daily Express