Og svo varð ég forsetafrú

Eliza Reid reflects on her memorable years as the First Lady of Iceland, offering readers a glimpse into a world shaped by protocol, where official visits and formal receptions play a central role. She stood up for the causes she cared about, spoke Icelandic with a foreign accent without hesitation, and laughed at her own slips of the tongue. She advocated for gender equality and gently poked fun at the paradox of being primarily defined by her husband’s achievements.

In this book, Eliza also recounts her upbringing in Canada, her years in the United Kingdom, travels to distant places, and what it was like to move to Iceland and become a working mother of four.

Eliza Reid is a co-founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat. She has worked in journalism, editing, and writing, and served as the First Lady of Iceland from 2016 to 2024. She is the author of two previous books, Secrets of the Sprakkar and Death of a Diplomat, both of which were very well received.

Translation of the The First Lady Next Door 

ISBN 9789979229827

Author Eliza Reid, transl. Magnea J. Matthíasdóttir

Publisher Vaka-Helgafell, 2026

Format Softcover, 21 cm

Pages 327