The Travels of Reverend Olafur Egilsson by Karl Smari Hreinsson

The Travels of Reverend Olafur Egilsson

A minister's harrowing fight for freedom and faith

Narrated byBruce Kramer
Length6h37m
Release dateMay 23, 2018
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.2 (21 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorKarl Smari Hreinsson
NarratorBruce Kramer
Runtime6h37m
PublishedMay 23, 2018
Rating★★★★ 4.2 / 5 (21 ratings)
CategoriesBiographies & Memoirs, History, Africa
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

The Travels of Reverend Olafur Egilsson isn’t just another captivity narrative—it’s a brutal, unflinching look at survival, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horror. In 1627, Barbary corsairs descended on Iceland like a plague, slaughtering villagers and dragging hundreds into the slave markets of Algiers. Among them was Reverend Olafur Egilsson, a Lutheran minister whose journey from despair to defiance unfolds in this raw, firsthand account. Hreinsson’s translation captures the raw immediacy of Egilsson’s prose, but it’s narrator Bruce Kramer who transforms this 17th-century tale into a visceral experience. His measured, gravelly voice doesn’t just read the words—it drags you into Egilsson’s world, where every prayer feels like a scream and every act of kindness is a lifeline. The result is an audiobook that sticks with you long after the final chapter, less like a historical artifact and more like a whispered confession from the edge of oblivion.

Tags: Barbary corsair captivity narrative17th century Icelandic historytrue story of slavery and redemptionhistorical audiobook with strong narrationaudiobook for history buffssurvival memoirs

Why Listen to The Travels of Reverend Olafur Egilsson?

  • Expert narration by Bruce Kramer brings every character and scene to life across 6h37m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.2 stars by 21 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

Bruce Kramer’s narration is the glue that holds this audiobook together—his voice has the weight of a man who’s seen too much, which suits Reverend Egilsson’s story perfectly. He doesn’t play up the drama; he lets the words do the work, which makes the moments of hope (like Egilsson’s reunion with his wife) all the more powerful. That said, the pacing drags in the middle third, where Egilsson’s travels through Europe slow to a crawl. It’s a small misstep, but one that might test listeners’ patience—though it’s hard to fault a book that offers such a rare glimpse into a forgotten corner of history. The production is clean, with no distracting audio artifacts, and Kramer’s commitment to the material shines in the quieter, more introspective passages. If you’re looking for a survival story that’s equal parts historical record and human testament, this is it. Just be prepared to sit with some uncomfortable truths along the way.

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The Travels of Reverend Olafur Egilsson by Karl Smari Hreinsson is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Bruce Kramer with a runtime of 6h37m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.