Daughter

A Memoir

By: Alda Sigmundsdóttir

Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir

"Daughter is a work of bravery, an important and eloquent memoir about the fight to reclaim the self from those that seek to undermine and destroy our very existence. A must-read for anyone who has endured toxic familial relationships, and for those who seek to survive them." (Hannah Kent, author of Burial Rites)

As a young girl, Alda Sigmundsdóttir yearns to be close to her beautiful, distant mother, yet is never able to win her affection. When her parents divorce, a dark symbiosis between mother and daughter is forged, with devastating consequences that threaten to derail everything—especially Alda’s chance at intimacy and love.

In this searingly honest memoir, the author of the beloved “Little Books” on Iceland tells the story of a childhood marred by trauma, the denial she employed to survive, and the struggle to regain her authentic self. In unpacking her personal history, Alda discovers the elusive nature of truth and its indispensable part in making us free. Inspiring, touching, and brave, this book speaks to anyone who values emotional freedom and longs to break away from the destructive patterns of the past.

©2022 Alda Sigmundsdottir (P)2022 Alda Sigmundsdottir

Incredibly Insightful

I have to be honest —I almost stopped listening to this book. Resentment is hard to swallow in large doses. There was a point at which it seemed like it would go on and on. But this book is actually very remarkable. It is a true diary and we are allowed into the deepest places of the author’s soul. It is a courageous book and it becomes captivating once the book gets rolling and especially when you enter into the later chapters. There is so much insight in this book —so much that leaves lasting impressions—her memories of childhood —and of her relationships after—that it is a very impactful read. The author also does a wonderful job of reading this—I felt like I was sitting across a table over coffee hearing her story. I was disappointed when it came to an end! Very unique and deeply meaningful book! With all this said, the only final reflection that I want to add is that there is a missing piece--the thought or consideration of "forgiveness" seems to be absent from this book. The focus of the book is on truth with a heavy emphasis on psychology. It is very well-described, but there seems to be no desire for relinquishing the gavel. This is not to minimize the crime. But to be truly free, and truly live in the light, forgiveness is absolutely necessary--otherwise, we remain the accuser and it corrupts our soul. This is something that God desires to help us with since forgiveness comes from God. Hopefully that will be the next step and perhaps has already happened. Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."