Iceland has a strong literature tradition, partly rooted in the sagas but probably also influenced by the weather and long dark winters. Húslestur (reading out loud for family and fellow residents in the home) was a common practice in Iceland in the 19th and early 20th centuries when most Icelanders still lived on farms. There were usually not many books in people’s homes back then and húslestur was a solemn activity where those around were expected to sit quietly and just listen. In some homes, psalms were sung both before and after húslestur. Below, we take a look at some examples of modern and classic literature from Iceland.
The Good Shepherd by Gunnar Gunnarsson
A classic novella that many people like to read during Advent every year. Originally published in 1936, it has sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into around 20 languages. Based on a real story, it tells about Benedikt and his search for sheep up in the wilderness during one of the harshest winter months. The story is simple on the surface but deep and fertile at the same time. Gunnar Gunnarsson (1889-1975) is one of Iceland’s most esteemed writers and his legacy includes more than twenty novels, short stories, plays, poetry and essays.
- See also: Sheep Round-Up in Iceland AKA Réttir
The Good Shepherd has some resemblance to The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway from 1952, and Hemingway is known to have read Gunnarsson’s book before he wrote his masterpiece, possibly inspired by the simplicity and deep human core of The Good Shepherd. I read Hemingway’s book a few years ago and listened to the recital of Gunnarsson’s book during Advent last year, noticing the resemblance between them immediately (afterwards I read about the connection). Before reading the Good Shepherd, I heard it read out loud by two actors at the library of Hafnarfjörður, which was a bit like going back in time for húslestur, just sitting there for over two hours to listen and enjoy the story.
After reading and listening to the story, I thought I would make this a tradition before Christmas like others have done before me. It is full of gold nuggets and feel-good factor, maybe even like a box of chocolates, for example apparent in detailed descriptions of surroundings like moonlight and frosty conditions, in addition to the portrayal of the behaviour of Benedikt’s two companions on the road, the dog Leó and the ram Eitill.
Karitas Untitled by Kristín Marja Baldursdóttir
Growing up on a remote Icelandic farm in the early 1900s, Karitas dreams of a life beyond the traditional roles assigned to women. Despite her burning desire to be an artist and remain true to herself, she faces immense pressure to conform. The expectations of being a devoted daughter, loving mother, and fisherman’s wife threaten to stifle her artistic spirit and trap her in a life of convention.
This book has been voted the best Icelandic novel in an informal survey on a big local Facebook group in recent years by avid Icelandic readers online. Personally, I found it even better than Independent People by Halldór Laxness, that won the Nobel Prize. It is in the top two novels I have ever read, I found the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini only marginally better. But what these two novels have in common are descriptions that are so graphic that they make you feel like you are witnessing something in real life. Brilliant writing.
The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness
Independent People is Halldór’s best-known novel and it is nothing short of a masterpiece, but it’s also a bleak and depressing portrait of a poor farmer’s life complete with domestic violence, class injustice, child labour, and light paedophilia. What we’re saying is that this is no fun summer read. If you think you’re up for it, by all means, go ahead, but for a more palatable taste of Laxness, we recommend picking up The Fish Can Sing, a charming coming-of-age story set in Reykjavík at the turn of the century.
The Fires by Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir
Volcanologist Anna Arnardóttir’s life is transformed by love as the Reykjanes peninsula ends its 800-year slumber. While recent events give the novel timely significance, the theme of humans living alongside powerful natural forces is an enduring part of Iceland’s story.
The Fires came out before the ongoing period of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula started, which prompted many readers to suggest the book as even more powerful, predicting the future if you like.
Reykjavík by Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir
A crime novel by beloved Nordic noir author Ragnar Jónasson and former prime minister and crime novel enthusiast Katrín Jakobsdóttir, who also has an MA degree in Icelandic Literature. During Reykjavík’s bicentennial in 1986, journalist Valur Robertsson investigates the 1956 disappearance of fourteen-year-old Lára. With the city watching, his pursuit of the truth reveals the urgent need to solve this decades-old mystery.
- See also: Best Icelandic True Crime Novels
