Icelandic literature

[Talisman]

As some of you may know, I have a long standing love affair with the country of Iceland, having been quite a few times over the years. Apart from the fantastic scenery, 24 hour daylight (in summer) and fresh air, one of the best things about Iceland is their books. They are one of the most literary nations in the world, with more books published per head of population that anywhere else on the planet. They have a long standing tradition of writing which started not long after the settlement period, when most of the Icelandic sagas were written. These are not just stories, but in many cases are actual historical accounts of events that took place and people that actually lived. I have read most of the English translations that I can get my hands on, but my favourite which was recently featured on the BBC4 Iceland series, is Laxdaela Saga, which is a classic love triangle between one woman and 2 foster brothers, both of whom she marries at different times.

 

There are also many more modern Icelandic authors, the late Halldor Laxness for example who was a Noble Prize Winner. His best known work is Independent People, which is a tremendously moving tale of the hardship of the Icelandic farmers life at the turn of the 19th Century. Then there are the crime writers - the best known of which are Yrsa Sigurdottir and Indridur Arnasson. It just seems to me that with the craze for Scandinavian crime fiction, the Icelandic authors (Iceland is still classes as Scandinavia, even though it is not part of the mainland) are often forgotten. I wondered whether anyone else here shared my passion and what their favourites are and if they have any thoughts they would like to add.

[pickle]

I have just discovered Yrsa Sigurdottir and so far read a couple of her books, I have a passion for crime of different countries although I find her descriptions of Iceland fantastic as it is a place she obviously loves and can't imagine leaving. I would to visit someday though, it sounds like my kind of place. I keep meaning to read more of the saga's and have watched some of Iceland series on BBC4 but not watched Jar City yet have you?

[Talisman]

NoI haven't seen the film as yet, I did record it for future viewing though, as when it was shown I was halfway through reading the book, and didn't want to spoil it by watching the film before you get to the end. There are many more Yrsa books published in Iceland that have not yet been translated, in addition to the 3 that have - My Soul to Take, Last Rituals and Ashes to Dust. I too love her descriptions though and the way she so cleverly blends Icelandic folklore and the belief in witchcraft into her writings, which to many Icelanders are a way of life. I can also relate very well to Thora, the main character, and find myself laughing at the things she says, thinks and does. I almost miss the character and think of her as a friend that I am yet to meet. The next book The Day is Dark, I am pleased to see is out in hardback towards the end of July, so I will have to pre-order my copy soon.

 

As for the sagas, I have read all (to the best of my knowledge) of those that have been translated into English and published by Penguin Classics, and also many shorter stories and sagas published by Iceland Review (an English language quarterly magazine for ex pat icelanders and people like me who just love the country and want to keep up to date with the Icelandic news). I don't know whether you can get them here, as I bought most of my copies during visits to the country. You can probably order them via the Iceland Review website as well though. I would particularly recommend the Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales - it is not the sort of bedtime reading I would read for a child !

[frankie]

I have a great appreciation for all things Nordic, but I have to admit I haven't read that many Icelandic novels, the only ones being both by Einar Már Guðmundsson: The Knights of the Spiral Staircase (which I adored!) and Angels of the Universe which I found okay.