This is not the book I was hoping for. While you can tell that the author is passionate about the subject, it did not keep my interest. I had a hard time finishing this book.

This book, often categorized as a travel narrative, delves into Icelandic culture and beliefs rather than offering a traditional travelogue. It explores the phenomenon of Icelandic belief in elves and questions why such beliefs are ridiculed rather than respected. While intriguing, the book's focus on Icelandic mythology may require prior knowledge for full appreciation. The narrative's organization feels disjointed, making it challenging to follow the author's references. Additionally, the subtitle, "How the Elves Can Save the Earth," promises an exploration of environmental themes that is only vaguely addressed in the final section. Overall, while the book offers interesting insights into Icelandic culture and beliefs, its execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a two-star rating.

The title of this book and learning more about elves or at least Icelandic elves was what interested me and got me to pick up this audiobook. I felt like the title was rather misleading though and this should have been just a travel book or a general appreciation of Iceland from the author. The book was interesting, but not what I thought it would be and not what interests me when reading.

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
There were sections of the book that focused on the hidden folk, and those sections were interesting. However, most of the book was more of a personal travel book which didn't interest me.

Narrator did a great job, perfect for non -fiction with her engaging and engaged style.

The book itself was a really fascinating look at Icelandic history and culture, which delved into mythology, linguistics, parallels with influencing or influenced cultures and even a hard look at the nature of belief itself. Our perceptions are shaped by our environments, but our environments are also shaped by our perceptions - something which many people ignore because frankly the question of 'what is reality?' probably doesn't occur to your average person on the regular. As we progress further and further away from living with the land as well as on it or off it, we are losing something important if intangible. It's no surprise then, that the narrative here concerns itself closely with Icelandic landscape as well. This is not a twee book about fairies, nor is it new age or pagan instruction. This is very much about not taking reality for granted and about how we can improve our own lives and the health of the planet by doing so.

This book was really good! I liked the story, the author, and the narrator!
I liked the characters!
I hope to read more by this author soon!
A great book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for my copy of Looking For the Hidden Folk by Nancy Marie Brown in exchange for an honest review. It published February 14, 2023.
I have quickly become a fan of Ann Richardson’s narration, and look forward to hearing more from her!
This book was a fascinating look into all things Iceland. It was very interesting, informative, fun, and though-provoking. The only issues I have with it is that it kept calling Catholicism Christianity, (two different religions), and definitely had a bit of a agnostic or polytheistic POV that the author just assumed everyone would have. Otherwise it was a great read!

Narrated by Ann Richardson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author Nancy Marie Brown ⭐⭐⭐

I can only imagine to 1000's of research hours over a life time that Nancy Marie Brown has put into this book. It was a fantastic insight into Iceland and the Norwegian folk lore.

Definitely makes me want to visit.

I loved this. It was a very fun balance of myth and history. It was an excellent example of how some of the older cultures just incorporate their stories into the real. I loved the story of the road that was unable to continue until they worked with the elves. Excellent read. Can't wait to read it again.

4 stars.

I will say, I think the narrator did this book a disservice. I think that is largely a part of why I didn't enjoy this as much as I expected I would. The narration is very montonous and doesn't add much depth to the storytelling. I found myself getting bored listening to this, despite the interesting nature of the content. I really enjoyed learning about Iceland's history and the unique views its people have on elves. I found this aspect of the book to be very interesting but felt the narrator almost took away from this. Overall, interesting concept and well written but poor narration. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nancy Marie Brown examines the beliefs of Icelanders—including elves—from multiple disciplines, including history, science, religion, and art. This exploration of the natural and supernatural leads to unexpected places from ancient lava fields, to a holy mountain beside a glacier, an erupting volcano, crossing the inner island on horseback, and many readings and conversations. At first I was thrown off because by the subtitle, How Iceland’s Elves Can Save the Earth, and feel this may be a problem for people who are expecting something different—it could have been marketed in a clearer manner. Despite this, I quickly settled into this study of Iceland. I loved the great range of topics and perspectives. Additionally, I appreciated the use of both ancient and current day references. This was informative and thought-provoking, making me wish for a physical copy as this begs for photographs and/or illustrations to expand the experience. The narrator, Ann Richardson, has such a pleasant voice and enhanced the reading. Honestly, this was an invigorating read, making me want to further appreciate Iceland in person. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Looking For The Hidden Folk by Nancy Marie Brown was so interesting we learned about Iceland‘s history and their history with elves and Faye folk. As well as her many trips to the country and things she experienced while there. I love reading about stuff like this and was not disappointed with this audiobook. I thought the narration was good and the information definitely interesting. Even if you have a passing interest in the topic I think you would find this book interesting she talks about the many beliefs of the Icelanders and the links they will go to protect a creature most don’t even believe in God as I said all of it was so interesting and I’m glad I listen to this audiobook. I received it from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Looking for the Hidden Folk I was looking forward to reading cuz I thought it would be interesting to see how Icelandic people view shall we say the little people after listening for 3 hours to the book I was very bored. The orator although not bad had a very monotonous voice and I don't know if maybe that led to me not enjoying the book at all.

I felt like you were trying to prove your point with so much scientific research that you had done on something that I think you missed the point that I didn't feel it pertained. I would have to say I would pass on reading this book again.