Woman, Captain, Rebel

The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain

By: Margaret Willson

Narrated by: Ann Richardson

History would have us believe the sea has always been a male realm, the idea of female captains almost unthinkable. But there is one exception, so notable she defies any expectation.

This is her remarkable story.

Captain Thuridur, born in Iceland in 1777, lived a life that was both controversial and unconventional. Her first time fishing, on the open unprotected rowboats of her time, was at age eleven. Soon after, she audaciously began wearing trousers. She later became an acclaimed fishing captain brilliant at weather-reading and seacraft and consistently brought in the largest catches. In the Arctic seas where drownings occurred with terrifying regularity, she never lost a single crewmember. Renowned for her acute powers of observation, she also solved a notorious crime. In this extremely unequal society, she used the courts to fight for justice for the abused, and in her sixties, embarked on perilous journeys over trackless mountains.

Weaving together fastidious research and captivating prose, Margaret Willson reveals Captain Thuridur's fascinating story, her extraordinary courage, intelligence, and personal integrity.

©2023 Margaret Willson (P)2023 Tantor

Amazing Narrative True Story

this book captured the true life story of Captain Thurídur and the saga of rural Icelandic fishing and farming villages with such detail and respect

Reading about the barbaric and heroic behavior of people two centuries ago, one can reflect our own times

Reading about the barbaric and heroic behavior of people two centuries ago can provide insights into our own times. It’s particularly intriguing to examine the actions of those in power, their greed, and cruelty directed at women and the impoverished during extremely challenging circumstances. Of course, the heroine of the story, with her remarkable perseverance and advocacy for her community, is inspiring. However, it’s disheartening to contemplate how modern times sometimes seem to be slipping back into barbarism. On the brighter side, if she can achieve remarkable things despite the numerous men who would oppress her, we too can accomplish great things!

Just a recitation of challenges, deceit and misery. Best part: The cover art.

I bought this hoping to dive into a sea story but it’s nothing like that. The fishers row out, fish and row back.

Mostly it’s a dreary tale of disappointment, village problems, courtroom doings and so on. Lots of beheadings and tragedy.