Digging for Roots: Travels in Iceland - A Personal Travel Memoir

In this review of Digging for Roots: Travels in Iceland, the reviewer finds a thoughtful travel memoir that will appeal to readers interested in genealogy, Icelandic history, and cultural reflection. Brian Borgford retraces his grandfather's footsteps across Iceland in search of family origins, and the book's strength lies in its blending of personal discovery with vivid descriptions of landscapes and local traditions. This is a reflective travel narrative rather than a guidebook, and its main reason to buy is the way it connects family memory to the larger sweep of Icelandic history.

Key Features

• Personal journey: The author follows his grandfather's memoirs step by step, offering an intimate account of family history and how memory shapes identity.
• Rich cultural context: Observations on Pagan worship, sagas, and modern reverence give readers a clear sense of how past and present meet in Icelandic life.
• On-location reporting: Visits to the actual sites described in a seventy-year-old memoir lend authenticity and a tangible connection to place.
• Concise travel timeframe: A two-week trip focuses the narrative and highlights the most meaningful encounters and locations without unnecessary detours.
• Historical perspective: The book situates personal migration within the harsh environment that shaped Icelandic emigration and settlement patterns.

Who It's For

This book is well suited for readers who enjoy family history and travel writing that emphasizes reflection over practical tips. Genealogy enthusiasts and cultural history readers will appreciate the way the author ties individual experience to broader Icelandic traditions and the enduring influence of the Icelandic Sagas.

Those looking for a detailed travel guide, itineraries, or practical advice for visiting Iceland should look elsewhere. The narrative covers a two-week personal pilgrimage and is strongest when describing history and emotion rather than logistics or specific travel planning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging personal narrative that connects a family memoir to on-site exploration.
• Strong cultural insights into Pagan heritage and the role of the Icelandic Sagas in modern life.
• Authentic sense of place from first-hand visits to locations named in an earlier memoir.

Cons

• Not a practical travel guide; readers seeking maps or itineraries may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	Digging for Roots: Travels in Iceland
Author	Brian Borgford
Focus	Genealogy and travel memoir
Trip length	Two-week journey
Historical connection	Based on grandfather's memoir written over seventy years earlier
Geographic scope	Iceland, various saga-related sites

Our Verdict

Digging for Roots is a quietly compelling travel memoir that will reward readers interested in Icelandic history and family origins. Its value lies in authentic on-location reporting and thoughtful cultural context, making it a good choice for history-minded readers and genealogy enthusiasts who prefer evocative narrative over practical travel detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include practical travel advice?
The book focuses on personal discovery and history rather than providing maps, itineraries, or travel logistics.

Is this based on historical sources?
Yes, the journey retraces places mentioned in the author's grandfather's memoir written over seventy years earlier and links those memories to Icelandic traditions.

How long is the trip covered in the book?
The narrative describes a two-week trip during which the author visited the locations cited in the family memoir.