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LITERARY FICTION 2 P O E T R Y 68 CRIME FICTION 76

Please note that a fund for the promotion non-fiction of Icelandic literature operates under the auspices of the Icelandic Ministry CURRENT AFFAIRS 96 of Education and Culture and subsidizes NARRATIVE NON FICTION 100 translations of literature. BIOGRAPHY 104

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LITERARY FICTION P O E T R Y CRIME FICTION

Literary fiction Literary fiction

ANDRI SNAER MAGNASON ALFRUN GUNNLAUGSDOTTIR (b.1973) has won the Icelandic literary prize for both fiction (b.1938) has authored numerous novels and short-stories. and non fiction. His work has been published or performed Three of her novels have been nominated for the Nordic in over twenty countries and received numerous interna- Council Literary Prize, first Going in Circles in 1991, tional awards, amongst them the Janusz Korczak Honorary Confidentially in 1995 and Across the Ebro River, in 2003. Award, the West Nordic Children’s Book Prize and, more recently, the Kairos prize awarded by the Alfred Toepfer Foundation to outstanding individuals. Magnason has been active in the fight against the destruction of the Icelandic “I can’t remember having read any Highlands. www.andrimagnason.c0m “… the stirring narrative account of the horrors of war and its human is skilfully woven into this consequences as stirring as this, with the “Very entertaining, very funny and original concepts. possible exception of Laxness’ The Happy masterly constructed work.” Warriors and Homer’s Iliad.”

I had a great time reading this book.” MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER BREAKFAST TV, CHANNEL 2 Love Star Time of Shadows Across the Ebro River Love Star, novel, 2002 Rán, novel, 2008 Yfir Ebrofljótið, novel, 2001

A multinational called LoveStar has put Iceland Down through the years, life’s currents have swept It is not widely known that three Icelanders • Bookseller’s Literary Award 2002 on the map by marketing death and programmed Ran far from her place of birth. Now she finds fought in the Spanish Civil War. In this novel • DV Newspaper´s Book of the Year Prize love. Indridi and Sigridur are cordless individu- herself on the way back, travelling from a home one such veteran, Haraldur, recalls his years • Nominated for The Icelandic Literary Prize 2002 als in this technological community which they and husband in Switzerland to her native Iceland, with the International Brigade, the Battle of believe in until a letter arrives from the powers with a stopover in Barcelona, where she once the River Ebro, daily life in the military camps that throws their lives into disarray. They were not spent many eventful years. Though her memories and his battle for a normal life on returning meant for each other and Sigridur is summoned are fresh as ever, the city she encounters is quite to Iceland. This is an epic novel, at once richly north to Oxnadal Valley, where the LoveStar logo another and her journey turns out to be a search informative and exciting and also highly shines behind the clouds over a vast pleasure for a lost time, forcing her to face up to moments intelligent. 459 pp ground, to meet her only love. As soon as the long gone and ideals abandoned. Following a path Sold to: • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize Germany/Switzerland/Austria lovers start to deal with the consequences of the through the thorny woods of memories takes (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe) letter, LoveStar, the founder of the company, is courage, however. Chapters in English available English translation available about to make the greatest discovery of his life. A A powerful and captivating book, weaving together fantasy about a society in which the principles of internal and external conflicts in times of social marketing and technology rule supreme, but still upheaval, to reveal the ambiguity of individual fail to suppress man’s deepest and most ancient truths. 251 pp instincts: love and lust for life. 275 pp • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2008

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AUDUR JONSDOTTIR (b.1973) is one of Iceland’s most highly acclaimed young writers. She has “A compelling and elegantly “An excellent received numerous awards for her works. Her novel, styled, thoroughly thought-out contemporary tale.” The People in the Basement, received The Icelandic Literary story about important issues.” POLITIKEN, DENMARK

Prize and a nomination for the Nordic Council Literary Prize. FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER www.jonsdottir.com

Deposit The People Tryggðarpantur, novel, 2006 “Written with real dexterity, she’s a highly inventive author in the Basement who can play skilfully with language and circumstances … Gisella, a girl who has never known anything Fólkið í kjallaranum, novel, 2004 other than wealth and opulence, suddenly has When the curtain falls, the novel leaves a definite mark on you, to face the fact that her abundant inheritance Klara is an artist in her thirties who can’t quite find her footing in life. Her boyfriend, Svenni, a she’s a writer with a sneaky subtlety … A very fine book.” is dwindling. She therefore needs to devise ways of increasing her income, and as a free-lance happy-go-lucky entrepreneur, has pretty much KILJAN/ ICELANDIC STATE TELEVISION reporter, decides to write about the shortage of cornered her into hosting a dinner party for his accommodation in the city. As a way of killing nouveau riche friends. As the mirth mounts, Klara two birds with one stone, she rents out three of withdraws increasingly into her own world. Pain- Wintersun the rooms in her enormous apartment to three ful memories from her past emerge and bit by bit, Vetrarsól, novel, 2008 homeless women of different nationalities. This the past and present begin to fuse in her mind. creates a colourful ménage, to say the least, and Then Klara’s sister turns up out of the blue to ask “The metropolitan police is searching for Arndis reached its peak and there’s little time left to by the end of the story, all of the women’s lives her to mind her son, while the party grows livelier, Theodorsdottir . . . she was last seen at Korp- investigate the disappearance of an old friend. have been changed, not least Gisella’s. An ex- her parents barge in on her and the mysterious ulfsstadir Centre for Culture last Friday . . .” To make matters even worse, the relentless win- hilarating and credible story with a burning neighbour in the basement knocks repeatedly on Sunna is shocked when she sees the announce- ter storms are holding Axel, Sunna’s boyfriend, relevance to our times, that can be interpreted their door. This ordinary dinner party eventually ment on the internet. Memories from her time hostage in a remote town in the West Fiords, as a metaphor for modern day Europe and its degenerates into mayhem, one big catastrophe, as a student with Arndis in Barcelona haunt her leaving her abandoned with his ten year old son, clashes of cultures. 335 pp as the narrative craftily steers a course from its and make it difficult to focus on the crime fiction whom she hardly knows. When Sunna realizes realistic setting into the realm of the absurd. But writing course she is supposed to be directing. that three mysterious men are following her • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2006 that’s Klara’s life! 290 pp On the other hand, the pre-Christmas rush at around it seems as if her life is turning into a Sold to: • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2004 the publishing house where she is working has crime thriller ... 255 pp Denmark (Tiderne Skifter) • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize 2005 Film rights sold to: Sold to: Litla gula hænan Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria Denmark (Tiderne Skifter); (Random House/btb); Sweden (Kabusa) The Netherlands (Querido) Film rights sold to: A stageplay from the book will be Silja Hauksdottir (producer) premiered in Reykjavik City Theatre autumn 2010.

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The Ambassador The Pets BRAGI OLAFSSON’S (b.1962) novels Sendiherrann, novel, 2006 Gæludýrin, novel, 2001 are undoubtedly among the most original and remarkable Icelandic stories of recent years. Olafsson’s novel Icelandic poet Sturla Jon Jonsson attends an Emil, a young Icelander, returns home after a The Ambassador received the 2006 Icelandic Bookseller’s international poetry festival in Lithuania – short trip to London to find that a sinister old Award and was nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award but this is no ordinary poetry trip. As the poetic acquaintance, Havard, has been roaming the ambassador of his country, Sturla Jon shrugs streets of Reykjavik looking for him. The pro- and the Nordic Council Literary Prize in 2008. off his official duties, deciding to become the spect of a face-to-face encounter proves too ambassador to his own feelings instead. A story much for Emil, and when Havard forces his way about the criminal in all of us, the things we into his flat, he hides under his own bed and “So how long do we have to wait steal to be ourselves and the investigations we reminisces over their disastrous flat-sharing have to carry out to find out why we committed experience in London a few years previously. for English versions of his other books?” a crime. A metaphysical novel about an un- A tale of cowardice, comeuppance and assumed

LOS ANGELES TIMES expected dark deed in the bewitching world of identity, this is an original and very funny take literature. 386 pp on the theme of the double. 248 pp

“I’m convinced beyond any doubt that Bragi Olafsson • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize • The Icelandic Bookseller’s Prize 2006 • Nominated for the DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award is among our best authors.” • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2006 Sold to: DV NEWSPAPER Sold to: Denmark (Lindhardt & Ringhof); Germany/ Denmark (Athene); Germany/Switzerland/Austria Switzerland/Austria (dtv); USA/Canada/UK/ (S. Fischer Verlag); USA/Canada/UK/Australia Australia (Open Letter); France (Actes Sud)/ Letters of Intent (Open Letter) South and Central America /Spain/USA (Bajo la luna) Film rights sold to: Handritið að kvikmynd Arnar Featherby og Jóns Magnússonar The Icelandic Film Company Time Off um uppnámið á veitingahúsinu, eftir Jenný Alexson, novel, 2010 Hvíldardagar, novel, 1999 When Chas Featherby, a sailor from Hull, dies school friend, to produce a feature film. The “I try to imagine who would be the first person at a ripe old age, his son Örn Featherby, a play- set of events that are set in motion by these two Party Games to walk into my flat, if I weren’t to come back wright and legal translator, finds out from his factors are chronicled by Jenny Alexson, Jon’s Samkvæmisleikir, novel, 2004 from Heidmork. And how long it would take aunt that he has inherited about two hundred ex-sister-in-law. Printer trainee, Fridbert, has invited his friends for someone to miss me. Probably two and half pairs of shoes from his father. At the same time, Letters of Intent is a travelogue and family and relatives to his 30th birthday party, and in months, I thought, which is about what I have Örn and his partner, Jon Magnusson, a trained story, but also a reflection on whether words can the small hours of the morning, when he’s finally left of my summer leave.” film director who is reduced to working as a li- ever suffice to describe what we see and hear said goodbye to what he thinks is his last guest, The narrator of this clever novel has been granted brarian, are given an opportunity they have long (and imagine) – recorded by a woman who is he discovers there’s still one person left in the an unusually long summer leave from his job. dreamt of: the half-promise of some funding in suspected of being the secret author of a popular flat. An unusual, provocative, and hilarious He decides to head up to the Heidmork nature the form of a letter of intent from their old crime novel series under a pseudonym. story that deals with the significance and in- reserve on a daytrip, but the hike takes a sudden significance of moral issues. 340 pp and unexpected twist. 192 pp

• Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 1999 • The DV Newspapers´s Cultural Award 2004 • Nominated for the DV Newspaper’s Cultural • The Icelandic Bookseller Prize 2004 Award 1999

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“Certainly not everyone can tackle as big a theme as revenge and get away with it as well as this.” EINAR KARASON (b.1955) is a novelist JYLLANDS-POSTEN, DENMARK and one of the most popular author and scriptwriter of his generation; best known for his Devils’ Isle trilogy. His novel Storm A Gathering of Foes Fury (2009) was nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Stormur, novel, 2003 Óvinafagnaður, novel, 2001 Prize and awarded the Icelandic Literary Prize. The central character of this powerful novel is When news reaches Thordur Kakali in Norway Eyvindur Jonsson Stormur, a clever, witty but that his father and brothers, members of the most self-deceptive man, who is surrounded by a powerful family in Iceland, the Sturlunga clan, motley crew of heavy drinkers, hippies, business have been killed by a rivalling clan, he has few “Karason is a storyteller worth his weight in gold. men, losers and Icelandic students abroad. options. After years of drink and gambling, A brilliant rendering of the ideas and spirit of Thordur has few friends. He’s heavily in debt and He can bring together tragedy and humour opposites, which the times and an entertaining gallery of ex- when he learns that hitmen are after him, Thordur stand naturally side by side, like two sides of the same coin.” pressive characters and hilarious events. 333 pp decides to face his enemies in Iceland. 248 pp

HUVUDSTADSBLADET, HELSINKI, FINLAND • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2003 Sold to: • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize 2004 Denmark (Gyldendal); Finland (Johnny Kniga/WSOY); • The DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award 2003 Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe I Am Amused Fury Random House) Sold to: Film rights sold to: Mér er skemmt, novel, 2010 Ofsi, novel, 2008 Norway (Cappelen); Denmark (Gyldendal); Fridrik Thor Fridriksson/Spellbound Productions Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Random House); Russia (Fluid) Since the start of his writing career, Karason 1252 AD. A bloody civil war grips Iceland. Gissur Where Devils’ Isle Rises has told us stories of innumerable comical and Thorvaldsson, leader of the powerful Haukadalur entertaining characters. Many of these characters clan, has returned to Iceland to attempt to make The Isle of Gold – and not always the most well-mannered – have his peace with the Sturlungs. As a token of good Killian’s People The Promised Land become close acquaintances of readers both in faith, he offers to marry his son to daughter of the Killiansfólkið (Heimskra manna ráð, Þar sem djöflaeyjan rís, Gulleyjan, Iceland and throughout the world. Sturlung leader. At the fine estate Modruvellir Kvikasilfur, novels), new edition, 2004 Fyrirheitna landið, novels, 1983–1989 Now attention turns to Einar himself. In several dwells the local hero Eyjolfur Ofsi. While he is pre- shining chapters he tells stories from his own pared to accept Gissur’s outstretched hand, his Colourful tales of the entrepreneurs and motley Set in Reykjavik in the fifties, this highly colourful life, for example a dramatic tale of his crooked wife is not about to forgive Gissur her father’s and crew that make up Killian’s family, and the noble family saga describes in a very lively and humorous path through school and hilarious stories of grandfather’s deaths. Generous and easygoing in goals and petty dreams of these nouveaux riches way the immense change in Iceland, when a simple his dealings with the film industry. Karason the daytime, Eyjolfur’s mood darkens as night yet perennially broke people, painting a portrait rural culture of farmers and fishermen clashed opens, with rare candor and sincerity, the door falls. Feelings of inferiority fester like a cancer that sharply reflect the history of Iceland in with the American mass culture. 200–215 pp recent years. 413 pp to his own life, ideas, and ideals, confidently inside him, leading to a fateful outcome. 192 pp Sold to: following the path of the many writers who have Denmark (Gyldendal); Sweden (Bonniers); Finland • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2009 Sold to: (Like); The Netherlands (De bezige bij); Norway also written their best when telling of their own Sweden (Bonniers); Norway (Aschehoug); • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary (Aschehoug); Faroe Islands (Árting); Germany/ Denmark (Gyldendal); Finland (Like); adventures. 223 pp Prize 2010 Switzerland/Austria (Eichborn/Die andere Bibliothek/ France (Seuil); Germany/Switzerland/Austria Paperback rights: Random House/btb); Poland Sold to: (Zsolnay/Hanser, paperback rights: Random (Marpress/as an e-book: Tower Press); U.K. (Canongate) Germany/Switzerland/Austria House/btb) (Verlagsgruppe Random House); A motion picture based on these novels received an Denmark (Gyldendal) award for the best Nordic film in 1997.

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Footprints on the Heavens The Knights of the Spiral Stairs EINAR MAR GUDMUNDSSON Dreams on Earth Wingbeat on the Rooftops (b.1954) is a novelist, short-story writer and poet, one Nameless Roads Epilogue of Raindrops of the most widely translated Icelandic authors born in Fótspor á himnum, novel, 1997 Riddarar hringstigans, novel, 1982 the post-war period. A storyteller with a lyrical perceptive Draumar á jörðu, novel, 2000 Vængjasláttur í þakrennum, novel, 1983 and humorous style, his work charts the growth of urban Nafnlausir vegir, novel, 2002 Eftirmáli regndropanna, novel, 1986 culture in the capital and the larger-than-life characters This trilogy traces the fortunes and misfortunes Highly original portrait of the life of small boys that it spawns. of several generations (modelled in part on the in a suburb of Reykjavik. The narrator is a six- author’s own family) from around the turn of the year-old boy who juggles the language of children century to the end of the 1930s, with the largest and adults to set the scene and describe the action gallery of heroes and rogues ever to come from of the novel. Boys in a suburb of Reykjavik “give “Behind Bars is yet another of Einar Mar’s warm Gudmundsson’s pen. A unique depiction of life in their thoughts wings” to create a private world and humane stories that touch the reader deeply. Perhaps his best, Iceland in the first half of the twentieth century. where life is breeding pigeons and building coops. because it is a road map to the hope of rebuilding one’s life when 213–222 pp But their yearning for freedom clashes harshly Sold to: with the strictures of organized adult society. substance abuse threatens to destroy everything.” Denmark (Borgen/Vindrose); Germany/Switzer- 190–235 pp land/Austria (Hanser, paperback: btb); Norway VIGDIS FINNBOGADOTTIR, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ICELAND (Cappelen); Sweden (Natur & Kultur); Finland Sold to: (Like); Italy (Iperborea); Czech Republic (Odeon) Denmark (Borgen); Norway (Cappelen); Sweden English translation available (Natur & Kultur); Finland (Like); Germany/ Switzerland/Austria (Hanser) and France (Gaïa) Behind Bars The Beatle Manifesto Rimlar hugans, novel, 2007 Bítlaávarpið, novel, 2004 “Angels of the Universe is ... Angels of the Universe a rare, suggestive and poetic novel.” Early 2002 Einar Mar Gudmundsson received “A spectre is haunting the streets of the world, Englar alheimsins, novel, 1993 SUDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG a letter from an inmate in the security ward in the spectre of the Beatles.” Master storyteller Litla-Hraun prison to thank the author for his Gudmundsson returns with this wonderful book, The story tackles the torment of psychiatric ill- pervades the whole work, the tale ripples with books and to tell his story, the story of Einar which in its narrative approach and style is a kind ness as experienced by the central character, humour as it presents a whole pantheon of Thor, a convicted drug dealer and an addict of The Knights of the Spiral Staircase meets who narrates his whole life from birth to death, colourful characters, whose inner worlds are and his girlfriend Eva, portrayed through Angels of the Universe. 253 pp as he gradually succumbs to the terrors of mental larger than life. 224 pp the letters they exchange during Einar’s stay • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2004 illness and the equally horrific treatment applied in prison. A powerful tale of human frailty, • Nordic Council Literary Prize 1995 to its sufferers. Despite the air of tragedy that reckoning and redemption. 362 pp Sold to: Denmark (Borgen); Sold to: • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2007 Norway (Cappelen); Denmark (Vindrose); Norway (Cappelen); Sweden (Natur & Kultur); Finland (Like); Faroe Islands (Mentunargrunnur Sweden (Natur & Kultur); studentafelagsins); Greenland (Atuakkiorfik); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Hanser/Paperback rights: btb); UK (Mare’s Sold to: Finland (Like) Nest); The Netherlands (De bezige bij); Italy (Iperborea); Lithuania (Tyto Alba); France (Flammarion); Spain (Siruela); Denmark (Borgen/Vindrose); Portugal (Canguru); USA (St. Martin’s Press); The Czech Republic (Odeon); Poland (Tower Press/also as an e-book); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Hanser); Serbia (Narodna knjiga); Turkey (Acikdeniz Publishing); China (The Commercial Press); Estonia (Imahaa); Bulgaria Norway (Cappelen) (Hemus); Hungary (Siraly Kiado); Spain (Rinoceronte Editora, in Galician); Korea (Nangiyala Publishing House); Chapters in English available Latvia (Valtiers un Rapa), Slovenia (Temza); Russia (Corpus) Adapted into an award-winning motion picture directed by the Oscar nominee Fridrik Thor Fridriksson.

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EIRIKUR ORN NORDDAHL (b.1978) ELISABET JOKULSDOTTIR has written novels and poetry. Furthermore, he is a translator, (b.1958) is an author with masses of creative talent and great both of fiction and non fiction, and has written articles about sensitivity for human emotions. She has published novels as literature and social issues. www.norddahl.com well as short stories and poetry.

“Kindness is a sermon-on-the-mount about contemporaneity, performed in nimbly encoded images, Kindness sharp and rich in content.” “ I say bravo for this book, didn’t put it down for a second. TMM literary review I’ve never read a book that deals so brazenly with sex.” Gæska, novel, 2009 JULIA ALEXANDRA / JOURNALIST When conservative MP Halldor Gardar wakes up world seems new and frightening. When a young the world is a different place from what it was the Moroccan girl asks him to help free her parents night before. Not only is mt. Esja ablaze, Reykjavik from the clutches of the Icelandic state, his life The Locksmith’s Football Stories enveloped in clouds of smoke and Parliament acquires a purpose he had never suspected before... square crammed with demonstrators, but Halldor An incredibly imaginative and funny novel about Good Advice (Mini Stories) Gardar no longer feels right – he feels left. At some everything that has been amiss in Iceland in the Heilræði lásasmiðsins, Fótboltasögur, örsögur, 2001 point during the night his conscience must have past years. 340 pp a novel, 2007 Footballers all have their positions to defend, both got turned upside down and suddenly the whole Chapters in English available Elisabet and Algea met when she was on a trip to on and off the pitch. With piercing black humour, New York. He American, she Icelandic; he black, these stories tell us of the fullbacks, forwards, Poison for Beginners Ideological Slut she white; he a hatter and a drummer, she a writer; goalkeepers and other players on the pitch and on he from a big city, she a child of nature. He the bench, in reality and in dreams, and recounts Eitur fyrir byrjendur, novel, 2006 Hugsjónadruslan, novel, 2004 follows her to Iceland but they both have difficul- their feats or would-have-been actions. The author has full control over her players and excels in at- Halldor and Herdis live together but are not Thrandur is on his way to Copenhagen to meet a ties distinguishing between fantasy and reality tack, but leaves occasional gaps in the defense to known to have ever kissed. When Herdis brings girl he met on the internet. She is a polyamorous and encounter a fair dose of turbulence on their allow the reader to run in and join the game. 77 pp into the home a hazardous potplant and Hogni, a Texan with a master in anthropology. On his path. Not least when love leads to those recesses of their inner lives that have been bolted under student of gender studies, Halldor loses the ability way over on the ferry, he meets Faroese cello English translation available to leave the house, but developes a sudden interest player Ani, a pearl in the North Atlantic. During lock and key for a very long time – and a locksmith in the use of poison. Poison for Beginners is a a carefree piss-up in Christiania and Copenhagen needs to be called in. “Jokulsdottir’s stories revolve around novel that features in a sensitive way the relation- with the gay Billy and a bunch of happy-go-lucky A candid, blunt and intimate account of the football and the craze it inspires, but also, ship of a young couple. 139 pp Danish punks, Thrandur is brutally awakened to relationship between two very different individu- not least, the psychology of the characters, the fact that we’ve shifted into the “post 9/11” era. als who meet and form a temporary bond that is Sold to: their emotions, language and reality – destined to dissolve. 219 pp Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Kozempel & Timm) In times like these you can’t just sleep around, and in most of them she really scores.” English sample translation available hopping from one ideological bed into another, if MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER you don’t want to be called a slut. 259. pp

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

FRIDA A. SIGURDARDOT TIR GERDUR KRISTNY (b.1970) proved herself (b.1940–2010) worked as a lecturer at the University of as one of Iceland’s most interesting poets with her first book, Iceland and as a librarian before turning exclusively to and has since then published several books of poetry, as well writing in 1978. Her first work was the short story collection as short stories, novels and children’s books. Awards for her Nothing Serious, published in 1980. work include 1st prize in the National Broadcasting Service short story competition, 1st prize in poetry competition in a cultural programme on TV, The Children’s Choice Book Prize In Julia’s House and the Halldor Laxness’ Literary Prize for A Boat with Sails and All. “A poignant and passionate Í húsi Júlíu, novel, 2006 story, brimming with demanding The story of two sisters and their tempestuous speculation about love, death relationship. After an absence of many years abroad, Lena makes a sudden and unannounced “There is a deep solitude and quest in the text that underlies and the meaning of life.” return. Wheels are set in motion, the moment the rugged surface, and Gerdur Kristny develops this DV NEWSPAPER Lena steps into Julia’s house, ushering new dangers into the home. This novel by Sigurdar- subtext quite brilliantly; Oddfridur’s story touches and stirs dottir encompasses many haunting elements, the reader without ever succumbing to sentimentality and in her own unique manner she manages to Night Watch (which no reader of Gerdur Kristny’s would have expected Meðan nóttin líður, novel, 1990 interweave the various narrative threads to create a poignant and powerful contemporary anyway) and doesn’t shy away from her heroine’s faults Nina appears to be a successful modern woman story. 235 pp – and a subtle humour pervades it all.” – sophisticated, intelligent and confident. BOKMENNTIR.IS But her success is overshadowed by doubt and despair. As she sits at her mother’s deathbed, In a Closed World perennial questions arise in her mind. Fragments Í luktum heimi, novel, 1994 of present and past realities are woven together in the course of the story, which carries a Tomas, a middle-aged man, wakes up one morning A Boat with Sails and All poignant message for our times. 193 pp haunted by questions of the purpose and meaning Bátur með segli og allt, novel, 2004 of life. How can an individual control his own fate, • The Icelandic Literary Prize 1991 • The Press Cultural Award for Literature 1991 love and happiness? Or are these just words, de- A Boat with Sail and All is an exciting family own roots. Gerdur Kristny has skilfully woven • The Nordic Council Literary Prize 1992 void of any significance? The novel describes a few tale of corruption and betrayal in contemporary a thrilling story that sharply reflects our times. desperate weeks of Tomas’ life; weeks filled with Reykjavik. A young woman reporter is hired by 319 pp Sold to: joy and despair, love and unbearable pain. 281 pp Czech Republic (Mladá Fronta/Praha); a small daily newspaper, and sucked into a power • The Halldor Laxness’ Literary Prize 2004 Denmark (Rhodos); Germany/ • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 1994 struggle in a dog eats dog world. At the same Switzerland/Austria (Steidl); Sweden time, she is trying to come to terms with her Chapters in English available (Rabén/Prisma/Arleskar); Norway Sold to: (Emilia); Finland (Gummerus); Sweden (Rabén/Prisma/Arleskar) UK/Australia/New Zealand/South- Africa (Mare’s Nest); Lithuania (Leidykla Vaga) · 16 · · 17 · Literary fiction Literary fiction GUDBERGUR BERGSSON

GUDBERGUR BERGSSON (b.1932) “The mixture of irony and simplicity, depression is one of Icelands’ leading writers, the first author to win and distance and most of all the density of the atmosphere, the coveted Icelandic Literary Prize twice, first in 1991 creates a mood unlike any other and elevates this story, for the widely acclaimed The Swan and then in 1997 for the first volume of his biographical novel Father and Mother making it a work of art.” and the Mystery of Childhood, which was also nominated BERLINER MORGENPOST for the Nordic Council Literary Prize in 1992. The Search for the Child in the Chasm “A great European novelist.” Leitin að barninu í gjánni, novel, 2008 MILAN KUNDERA Gudbergur Bergsson is well-known for his a secret door in the basement of the school unconventional approach and inventive among others. Under the surface is another “Loss is doubtless one of his more influential works, narratives. In The Search for the Child in the more haunting story, not least about the terse and chiseled, inspiring the readers to reflect.” Chasm – A Children’s Story not for Children imagination which is sometimes stolen from he once more strikes a new note. This tender young people – and about the challenge of Morgunbladid newspaper and symbolic story, which is definitely meant finding the courage to do battle with oneself. for adults, describes the journey of a child 147 pp “Loss is a masterful narrative and a teacher along strange paths, through of how old age clutches a person… it is funny and very bleak… The Swan “A literary voyage of the soul, an incredibly beautifully written book.” Svanurinn, novel, 1991 Kiljan, national tv filled with wonders The Swan is the story of a nine-year old girl and adventure.”

Loss raised in a fishing village, who is sent to a farm NDR R A DIO Missir, novel, 2010 in the country as punishment for shoplifting. There she discovers feelings she had not known Sold to: Bulgaria (Hemus); Brazil (Rocco); Czech Republic To what does the mind turn when one reaches lot awaiting everyone when the body becomes before, mysterious, terrible and painful. A novel (Ivo Zelezni/Praha); Denmark (Rhodos); Sweden the end of the road and there is little ahead but decrepit and stamina dries up. built on tension and contradiction, where the (Rabén/Prisma/Arleskar); France/Switzerland/ Luxembourg/Canada (Gallimard); Spain/Andorra/ eternity itself? To past times… now disagreeable Here Gudbergur Bergsson provides a provo- grotesque and the beautiful, the comical and South and Central America/USA (Tusquets); memories. Nothing breaks the silence but the cative and unexpected insight into an everyday the dramatic, are at once contrasted and yet UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa, USA/ merciless hiss of the kettle, the everyday world that one and all recognize but beautify reconciled. 148 pp Philippines (Mare’s Nest); Germany/Switzerland/ Austria (Steidl); Italy (Il Saggiatore); Finland (Like); accompaniment to a lonely man’s reckoning with in their own particular way. Loss is a novel • The Icelandic Literature Prize 1991 The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (De Geus); his life, love or lack of love that reaches beyond that exposes the individual in relation to his Greece (Ellinika Grammata); Estonia (SA Kultuurilent); • Nomination to The Nordic Council Literary Prize Lithuania (Leidykla Vaga); Taiwan (Owl Publishing) the borders of life and death – and old age, the inevitable fate. 128 pp 1992

Sold to: Spain/Andorra/South and Central America/USA (Tusquets) · 18 · · 19 · Literary fiction Literary fiction GUDBERGUR BERGSSON GUDBERGUR BERGSSON

“Bergsson is one of this century’s principal “A magnificent work which will geniuses and rarely has he been more undoubtedly be considered among this successful than in this novel.” century’s leading work of literature …”

“Wonderful, ironic, sad, shocking and funny.” DAGUR NEWSPAPER DV NEWSPAPER DV NEWSPAPER

Father and Mother Like a Stone Smoothed by the Sea The Paralyzed Teachers and the Mystery of Childhood Eins og steinn sem hafið fágar, Lömuðu kennslukonurnar, novel, 2004 Faðir og móðir og dulmagn bernskunnar, novel, 1998 novel, 1997 Volume II of Bergsson’s biographical novel. In this Coming home after a period of study, a proud there is no turning back. The power of the In this captivating and touchingly honest story, captivating story, Gudbergur Bergsson picks up mother’s bright hope gets a full-time job as a paralyzed sisters lures him into a narrative Gudbergur Bergsson revisits the days of his youth where he left off in his award-winning work, social worker that takes him to the bedside totally against his own will. Primitive and in the fishing village of Grindavik. He revives days Father and Mother and the Mystery of Childhood, of two paralyzed sisters. He starts to invent vulgar elements gain the upper hand. But passed, examining these childhood years with reviving a life which now only exists in the recess- stories for them and before he knows it, the what is left of the author’s mind after allowing an adult’s eyes attempting to see himself through es of his mind. Bergsson writes both compellingly sisters have led him down a road from which himself to be duped into the story? 213 pp his parents and the surroundings out of which he and candidly of the world which shaped his own Sold to: grew. 320 pp mentality, emotions and writings. 405 pp Lithuania (Pasvires Pasaulis) • The Nordic Council Literary Prize 2004 • Nominated for the 1998 Icelandic Literary Prize • The Icelandic Literary Prize 1997 • Nominated for The Nordic Council Literary Prize • Selected Dagur Newspaper’s Novel of the Year 1999 (vol. 1 and 2) • Nominated for the 1998 DV Newspaper’s Cultural Prize Sold to: • Nominated for the 1999 Aristeion European Sweden (Atlantis) “An uncomfortable masterpiece from Gudbergur – Literary Prize who just seems to get better with age.” • Nominated for The Nordic Council Literary Prize 1999 (vol. 1 and 2) FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER Sold to: Torments of Love in the Chamber Brazil (Rocco); Spain/Andorra/South of the Mind and Central America/USA (Tusquets); Sú kvalda ást sem hugarfylgsnin geyma, Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Steidl); 1 1⁄2 Book – A Terrible Story Sweden (Atlantis) novel, 1993 1 1⁄2 bók – Hryllileg saga, novel, 2006 A middle-aged man inherits a childhood friend’s In 1 1⁄ 2 Book – A Terrible Story Gudbergur In 1 1⁄ 2 Book – A Terrible Story he delves assets, as well as his male lover. In a basement Bergsson takes on one of his most ambitious under the surface of Icelandic society and room he searches for a passion that is invisible topics to this day: Icelandic culture and its portrays unforgettable characters in a work of to the rest of the world. 250 pp influences, from the time Iceland was under fiction that tackles the truth and history, and • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 1993 Danish rule to our day. not least the Icelandic national identity. 260 pp Sold to: Sweden (Rabén/Prisma/Arleskar); Spain/Andorra/South and Central America/USA (Tusquets); UK/ Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa, USA/Philippines (Mare’s Nest); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Steidl)

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

GUDRUN EVA MINERVUDOTTIR (b.1976) has earned “Yosoy is an ambitious work ... herself a place among Iceland´s most promising writers. a powerful reflection of a society of alienation In her incredible poignant style she interweaves all kind of and over-consumption.”

relationships and exchanges, which, in one way or another, MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER together form a kind of study of the body and its connections to the mind, culture and just the world. “A very ambitious work … the author’s prose is so potent that she manages to effortlessly convey complex concepts to the reader, through the sheer beauty of her words “The Creator is an exceptionally well constructed story … and subtle narrative.” Minervudottir shows convincingly just how difficult relations Tifeo, Italy between two people can be. In this case the ugly beauty which cannot endure on the surface is allowed to break free, showing that what it contains is always more than any silicon sex doll.” Yosoy

Vidsja, Icelandic National Broadcasting Yosoy, novel, 2005 • The DV Newspaper´s Cultural Award 2006 Madame Louise de Roubaix meets Dr. Olafur • Nominated for the Bookseller´s Literary Award Benediktsson at an international congress 2005 as the best novel of the year The Creator on pain in Brussels and charges him with the Skaparinn, novel, 2008 investigation of a strange circus in Iceland. The Sold to: whole organisation is shrouded in mystery and Italy (Scritturapura); Danmark (Art People) Film rights sold to: Pegasus Pictures Sveinn has devoted himself to the artistic affairs. Not only does this have unforeseen re- gaining the trust of its members turns out to be pursuit of creating the loveliest sex dolls sults, it also leads him to reassess his own life. a peculiar experience for Olafur, as he gradually imaginable. Living alone and keeping to him- Powerfully written, the text uniquely captures discovers the true nature of these unforgettable self, he has limited contact with the world human emotion at the breaking point. Here, as and perplexing people. around him. Glancing out of his window after in her previous works, Gudrun Eva Minervu- This is a powerful tale about pain and human working especially long and hard, he happens to dottir spotlights everyday people grappling with nature, sublime and zany love, innate and ac- see a woman, Loa, attempting to change a tire. unusual situations, where help sometimes quired talents – and how people cultivate their After succumbing to the natural urge to help her arrives from where it is least expected. 280 pp God-given gifts. 383 pp

out, Sveinn invites her into his home, only to • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize gradually become entangled in Loa’s family

Sold to: Italy (Scritturapura); Germany/ Austria/Switzerland (Random House/ btb); UK/Australia/New Zealand/ South-Africa, USA/Philippines (Portobello); Finland (Atena)

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

GUDMUNDUR A NDRI HALLGRIMUR HELGASON (b.1959) is THORSSON (b.1957) received the DV Newspaper’s a writer and artist, one of Iceland’s most popular authors. His Cultural Prize for Literature for his novel The Icelandic Dream novel 101 Reykjavik was nominated for the Nordic Council Lit- in 1991. The book was also nominated for The Icelandic erary Prize and he received the Icelandic Literary Prize for The Literary Prize in the same year. The novel Journey to Ice- Author of Iceland. www.hallgrimur.is land was nominated for the same prize in 1996. Literary agent: Andrew Nurnberg Associates e-mail: [email protected]

“… an entertaining book …” The Woman at 1000ºC The Author of Iceland THE W EEK LY PA PER Konan við 1000°C, novel, 2011 Höfundur Íslands, novel, 2001

In the eastern part of Reykjavik, fall of 2009, An impressive story, fascinating and disturbing, Tell Mama I’m Fine The Power of Mercy an old lady awaits her death alone, bedridden but about fact and fiction, death and creation. 510 pp connected to the world through the internet. 400 pp • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2001 Segðu mömmu að mér líði vel, Náðarkraftur, novel, 2003 • The Bookseller’s Literary Award 2001 novel, 2008 A sardonic family saga about a son who has to tell Sold to: Italy (Longanesi/Ugo Guanda); Germany Hitman’s Guide to (Klett-Cotta); Finland (Otava); Sweden (Norstedts); “We kissed. Then, gently extracting herself his parents that a song he wrote has reached the Denmark (Rosinante); Norway (N.W. Damm & Sön) Chapters and synopsis available in English from my embrace, she smiled and waved final in the Eurovision Song Contest – which he Housecleaning a goodbye before getting into the car. knows will horrify them – and the daughter has to 10 ráð til að hætta að drepa fólk I remember that our eyes met and I said some- decide whether she should sacrifice her fiancé, a og byrja að vaska upp, novel, 2008 101 Reykjavik thing about going to buy sausage for dinner promising young Europeanist, for a bluesy dope- – like I sometimes did – sausage made from head whom she doesn’t know is probably the heir A story of mistaken identity, human destiny and the 101 Reykjavík, novel, 1996 to a fortune. The mother is a priest who has to deal forcesof good and evil present within us all. 287 pp horsemeat – and she gave a wry smile A highly unusual and catching novel about a young with the sudden return of psychic powers, and at the wellworn joke, saying she wasn’t sure Sold to: man, Hlynur Bjorn, whose way of life is totally in the father is a former Socialist member of parlia- Germany (Klett-Cotta); Denmark (Lindhardt she’d make it for dinner, she’d call ...” og Ringhof); Norway (CappelenDamm); Poland accordance with the essence of the modern con- Kata’s call takes its time in coming, however, ment who cultivates his garden. These are the last (Slowo/Obraz Terytoria); Netherlands (Meulen- hoff); Russia (Corpus); The Czech Republic sumer society. 383 pp and in the meantime Einar goes for a walk with Socialists, their ideals have made them a laughing (Albatross nakladatelsvi); Italy (ISBN Edizioni) Sold to: his dog. His thoughts turn to Kata and her son, stock, and they live under the shadow of shattered UK (Faber & Faber); USA (Simon & Schuster); Denmark dreams and damnation, but in spite of it all, they (Rosinante); Finland (Otava); Sweden (Norstedts); to his father – an alcoholised saxophone player Rokland Norway (N.W. Damm & Sön); Germany (Klett-Cotta); who has known better days – with whom he still gather around the piano sometimes in the France (Actes Sud); Italy (Longanesi); Spain/Mexico/ Rokland, novel, 2005 Argentina/Uruguay/Colombia (RBA); Romania (Universal has lived all these years. And to his mama, a evening and sing “Gracias a la vida”... 237 pp Dalsi); Poland (Swiat Literacki/as an e-book: Tower Press); The Netherlands (Meulenhoff); Russia (Azbooka); Latvia country girl turned singer, pondering how their The story of a solitary rebel, who is too smart (Valters un Rapa); Spain (Rinoceronte Editora, in Galician); Korea (Dulnyuk) fates were all entwined ... Until the phone rings “… an especially well-written for his hometown, too angry for the big town, shrilly and nothing is ever the same again. and too frank for his country. 391 pp 152 pp and engaging novel.” • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2005

K ISTA N.IS Sold to: Germany (Klett-Cotta); Denmark (Aschehoug); Sweden (Norstedts) · 24 · Film rights sold to: Pegasus Pictures · 25 ·

Literary fiction Literary fiction

The Fish Can Sing Paradise Reclaimed The Nobel laureate HALLDOR L A XENSS (1902-1998) is the undisputed master of contemporary Ice- Brekkukotsannáll, novel, 1957 Paradísarheimt, novel, 1960

landic fiction and considered one of the greatest European This is the tale of Alfgrim, an abandoned child, A tale of a poor farmer who abandons his land and novelists of the twentieth century. He was awarded the left in the turf-and-stone cottage of Bjorn of family in pursuit of a dream of happiness, and Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. Brekkukot on the outskirts of what is now chases it all the way to the Mormon communities Reykjavik. The central motif is the dichotomy in Utah. In the end he returns home convinced not between a genuine and unassuming way of life only that all his efforts were in vain but that he has in an old homestead and the misguided pursuit lost the most important thing of all. 301 pp after fraudulent renown. One of Laxness’ most Sold to: “One of the greatest novelists of the 20th century.” endearing and many-faceted novels with a large USA (Random House/Vintage); Germany/Austria/ collection of unforgettable individuals. 316 pp Switzerland (Steidl); France (Gallimard); Denmark DIE WELT (Gyldendal); The Netherlands (De Geus) Sold to: Previously translated into 13 languages Norway (Oktober); UK and USA (Harvill Press/ “Laxness is the patriarch of European literature.” Vintage); Germany (Steidl); Italy (Iperborea); France DIE WOCHENZEITUNG (Librairie Arthéme Fayard); Spain/South America (Turner); The Netherlands (De Geus); Greece Independent People (Kastaniotis); Lebanon (Arab Scientific Publishers); Under the Glacier Macedonia (Mikena doo); Portugal (Cavalo de ferro) Sjálfstætt fólk, novel, 1934–35 Literary agent: Previously translated into 16 languages Licht & Burr, Copenhagen, Denmark Kristnihald undir Jökli, A timeless elemental masterpiece, which was e-mail: [email protected] novel, 1968 one of the works for which Halldor Laxness The Iceland’s Bell was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. It Halldor Laxness was prolific during his long A youthful emissary of the Bishop of Iceland Íslandsklukkan, novel, 1943-46 evokes the mood and rhythm of life in an isolated career, writing more than 60 books which travels to the beautiful and mysterious district of community in a remote corner of Europe as no have been translated over 40 languages and Snaefellsnes, locally known as “Under the Glacier”, This major novel is set at a time when Iceland other writer has done since the time of the great published in more than 500 editions. They to investigate the affairs of the parish and its was an oppressed colony at the mercy of Den- Icelandic sagas. Richly lyrical, often humorous, have sold in large numbers all over the world, enigmatic pastor. The story is the young man’s mark. After making a bawdy joke about the conceived on a grand scale, and with a cast of e.g. hundreds of thousands of copies in the US report to the bishop on the extraordinary events Danish king, farmer Hreggvidsson finds himself memorable characters, Independent People is one alone. His career is unique, the diversity of his taking place at the foot of Snaefells-Glacier. In this a fugitive from a charge of murder. In the course of the truly great poetic novels of the 20th century. works almost without parallel, and with every strange region all accepted distinctions between of his wanderings he becomes entangled in the It is the story of a crofter on Iceland’s remotest book he can be said to have approached his past and present, the mundane and the super- star-crossed love affair between a beautiful, moor, but it is also a study of deception, love and readers from a new and unexpected direction. natural seem at times to vanish. A complex bibli- headstrong noblewoman and the King’s anti- grief among all people. 726 pp In Laxness’ works man and nature, legend and cal allegory with many levels of meaning and quarian, a worldly aristocrat secretly devoted to reality merge in magic unity and as a master of hugely intricate and intriguing structure, and as Sold to: his downtrodden people. Iceland’s Bell creates UK (Harvill Press); USA (Random House/Vintage); story-telling he possesses a fantastic imagina- such a unique work in Nordic literature. 334 pp a Dickensian canvas of heroism and perversity, The Netherlands (De Geus); Germany (Steidl); Brazil (Globo); France (Librairie Arthéme Fayard); tion and inexhaustible resources of technique. violence and sorrow, charged with narrative Sold to: Italy (Iperborea); Norway (Tiden); Denmark Nine of the stories by Halldor Laxness have Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Steidl); The Czech enchantment on every page. 484 pp (Gyldendal); Spain (Turner); Literatur Yayincilik been filmed. The filming rights to the tenth, Republic (Aurora); Hungary (Balassi); Romania (Turkey); Sweden (Leopard); Faroe Islands (Sprotin); Independent People, one of Halldor Laxness’ (Niculescu); USA (Random House/Vintage); Sold to: Portugal (Cavalo de ferro); Esperanto (Mondial); The Netherlands (De Geus); Italy (Iperborea) Netherlands (De Geus); Sweden (Svenska Akademian/ Korea (Think Big); Hungary (The Hungarian Radio) most famous novels, have been sold to Pegasus Previously translated into 9 languages Atlantis); USA (RandomHouse/Vintage); Estonia Previously translated into 27 languages Pictures. (Varrak); Israel (Schocken); Denmark (Gyldendal) Film rights sold to: Pegasus Pictures Previously published into 23 languages · 26 · · 27 ·

Literary fiction Literary fiction

Hugrun kristjansdottir jonina leosdottir (b. 1954) (b. 1972) is a scholar in Icelandic studies and webpage designer. as worked as a journalist and written biographies, plays, This is her first novel. and novels. Her trilogy Kisses and Olives, Black and White and You and I, has enjoyed great popularity.

Stolen Voices Just Fine – And You? Stolnar raddir, novel, 2010 Allt fínt – en þú?, novel, 2010

“At that moment I didn’t know that my life was photograph of her grandfather and grandmother Nina does not know how to react when her father, Therefore, Nina has great difficulties mediating about to go haywire.” – another photo of her grandmother with another a handsome man of seventy, turns up with a new between her father and sister, and the situation Sollilja is an energetic girl from Reykjavik but is man, her own problems become trifles. Little by girlfriend only a few weeks after the death of in the family becomes increasingly complicated both lazy and a liar, besides being unsure of what little Sollilja discovers that her grandmother hides his wife. But the celebrity actress Sunna, Nina’s – until things finally reach boiling point. exactly she should do with herself. Continue her an immense sorrow, and that her grandfather and sister, will have none of it: she wants to cut off all Just Fine – And You? describes a few months in university studies and remain eternally penni- grandmother lived an entirely double life without contact with her father. Immediately! As befits a the life of a nearly forty-year-old woman in less, or go to work and make money? Keep seeing anyone knowing. It turns out that it’s not just self-respecting vicar’s wife and her family’s pillar Reykjavik. A woman who cannot say no and the law student Gunni, who has a future, or turn Sollilja who knows how to lie. 272 pp of strength, Nina tries to be understanding and desperately wants to be kind to everyone ... and instead to the middle-aged newshawk and lady’s help smooth things over, in spite of already having therefore runs the risk of neglecting herself. man Krummi? But when by accident Sollilja finds enough on her plate. Her finances are a shambles, An extremely funny story about deadly serious – hidden behind the beautiful engagement she has grave worries about her two daughters matters that could happen in most families. and her husband is irritatingly slow at reading 288 pp her mind. Sold to: Germany (KiWi) Chapters in English available

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

HUGLEIKUR DAGSSON (b.1977) can INDRIDI G. THORSTEINSSON be called Iceland’s uncrowned prince of the graphic novel. (1926–2000) was one of Iceland’s most prominent 20th- His work has received a great deal of praise both in Iceland century writers. and abroad, although some people look on his comic strips as childish scribbles. That attitude is challenged with this most recent book, which many consider his best to date. www.dagsson.com

Literary agent: Penguin Group e-mail: [email protected]

“Ban this sick book.”

THE IRISH SUN

Kisi, Should You Be Phases in the Life of a Nation the One-Eyed Cat and the Recession Tímar í lífi þjóðar, novels, 1978 – Escape from Reykjavik Laughing At This? Forðist okkur, cartoon, 2005 Phases in the Life of a Nation was the title forms of employment. In his books, Indridi G. Eineygði kötturinn Kisi og ástandið – Indridi G. Thorsteinsson gave to his trilogy Thorsteinsson provided us with an X-ray of the flóttinn frá Reykjavík, cartoon, 2009 Sure, Hangman is violent, but rarely have simple Land and Sons, North of War, and Calling Cab emotional roots of two generations, and in doing line drawings been made to enact the kinds of Kisi is back and is as resourceful and homicidal 79. Together these three novels illustrate some so, created classic fiction about the nature of scenarios found in Icelandic artist Hugleikur as ever. But in the fourth book, the one-eyed- of the most radical sociological changes in the human destiny itself. Two of his novels, Calling Dagsson’s collection, Should You Be Laughing At cat has to grapple with the recession with history of Iceland, in the wake of the Depression, Cab 79 and Land and Sons have been adapted This? The first few pages alone offer up murder, his friends. The book features, among other military occupation, and the emergence of new into milestone movies. 358 pp cannibalism and incest, and the jokes keep things, a possessed curly-haired martyr, an un- coming from there. Dagsson’s sweet little cartoons Calling Cab 79 sold to: understanding publisher and the underworld took the Icelandic counter-culture scene by storm Germany (Transit Verlag) of Icelandic genetics which may hold the key to becoming a best-seller in Iceland. The stage play the future of this tormented nation. The Kisi won the Best Play of 2005 award in Iceland’s main series of books have been popular with readers national newspaper. Dagsson’s second UK collec- of all ages. 64 pp tion of cartoons is called Is This Supposed to Be Funny? published in 2007. 224 pp

Sold to: Italy (Arnoldo Mondadori); Finland (Atena); Norway (Gyldendal); US (HarperCollins); Hungary (Partvonal); Germany (Rowohlt); France (Sonatine); Sweden (Nicotext)

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

KRISTIN MARJA BALDURSDOTTIR (b.1949) is one of Iceland’s most highly acclaimed novelists, author of novels and a short story collection that all demonstrate the author’s great gift for “Karitas is a wonderful story, which as any great novel characterisation. grabs you for the duration of the story and which then follows you, long after the book, sadly, is over.”

BERLINSKE TIDENDE “Beautifully executed, an excellent read.”

Kiljan, National TV

“Baldursdottir has a complete mastery of her style ...”

Frettabladid Newspaper The Big Dipper Chaos on Canvas Karitas – Untitled Karlsvagninn, novel, 2009 Óreiða á striga, novel, 2007 Karítas án titils, novel, 2004

When Gunnur wakes up one morning, she odd pair, a psychiatrist in her fifties and a girl Set in Iceland, Paris and New York, this vivid The dramatic and fascinating story of a young realises to her horror that her home has been close to confirmation age, are lumbered together portrait of a gifted female artist spans five de- girl who, despite her low social background, burgled while she was sleeping. All her state-of- in a remote house without any gadgets for the cades, an extraordinary range of emotions and manages to study Art at the beginning of the the-art modern gadgets have vanished – and all whole weekend. Secluded in the frost and snow, paints a compelling image of her life and the 20th century, at a time when very few women her credit cards. They’ve wiped her clean and they have no choice but to tap into two resources sacrifices she must make to be able to pursue did so. This is the insightful story of a single her husband is abroad. Full of revulsion for this they’ve lost the habit of using: their memories her art. The author skillfully unravels the desti- woman’s destiny and women as a whole – violation of her home, she decides to flee to the and the imagination. ny of the artist through the process of creation, a vivid portrait of their role and lives in the couple’s summer house in the east, even though Even though The Big Dipper spans only three her relationship with her family and friends, 20th century and a conflict between two power- it’s the heart of winter. But she doesn’t get to days, Baldursdottir sheds light on the nature solitude, betrayal, success, unbearable sorrow ful forces: love and art. 447 pp go there alone. While she’s talking to the police, and development of mankind throughout the and great passion. Memorable characters make • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary she’s saddled with taking care of a young girl, ages in this original yarn about the whole art of their appearance in this powerful and moving Prize 2005 before she even has a chance to protest. This story telling. 173 pp story, brimming with life and humanity. 541 pp Sold to: Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Krüger Verlag); Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Krüger Verlag); The Netherlands (Signature); Sweden (Bra böcker); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Krüger Verlag); The Netherlands (Querido); Denmark (Gyldendal); France (Gaïa) Denmark (Gyldendal) Denmark (Gyldendal); France (Gaïa)

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Literary fiction Kristin Marja baldursdottir Literary fiction

KRISTIN STEINSDOTTIR’s (b.1946) numerous books have received a variety of awards, including the Fjoruverdlaun award for high-quality innovative works by women, which she received for the novel “… masterfully constructed … Kristin Marja By Herself. The book was also nominated for the Nordic sets herself a major challenge with Seagull’s Laughter Council Literary Prize. and achieves it in style.”

BT, DENMARK “It touches the reader in a powerful way ... Here nothing is redundant and nothing is missing.”

VIDSJA, ICELANDIC NATIONAL RADIO

Seagull’s Laughter Ljosa By Herself Mávahlátur, novel, 1995 Ljósa, novel, 2010 Á eigin vegum, novel, 2006

Everything is turned upside down in the peace- A murderess? The Goddess of Love? The setting, “I hadn’t put much of my life behind me when it Sigthrudur has reached the autumn of her life, ful village world when Freyja suddenly appears a 1950s fishing village, is expertly depicted, and first made its presence felt. The bird which would become a widow, and scrapes a living, delivering one day, all the way from America. And this the characters are well-drawn. An absolutely end up becoming an inseparable part of my life. newspapers. She tends to her garden and plants, is hardly surprising, considering who she is. irresistible story of female uprising before the Spreading its wings, singing and sending my hangs around cafés and libraries, takes care of Her thick, black hair reaches down to her hips, days of feminism. 246 pp heart speeding. Why did it have to snuggle up cats and attends funerals. She is alone but not her icy-blue eyes are piercing, her lips are red A film based on Seagull’s Laughter was pre- against my neck like that? Trying to smother lonely; from early childhood she has learnt to rely and her shape perfect. She has seven trunks of miered in December 2001, starring the German me. Keeping me from sleeping at night. Lying on no-one but herself, to expect nothing. clothes and her manner is colder than death. actor Heino Ferch. The film won most of Ice- down on top of me and squashing me.” All of her close ones are gone, although she is still Seen through young Agga’s inquiring eyes the land’s major awards for 2001 and at its World Ljosa grows up late in the 19th century under with them in her mind, sitting in the stillness of life of the village takes on an air of complex Premiere, at Karlovy Vary International Film the glacier’s dome with a sweeping view of the her solitude, pondering. But deep in her soul she mystery and romance. Who is Freyja? Agga Festival, where it played in the main competi- sea and the barren lands. With every chance of hides a dream for another life, another country – wants to find an answer to that. Is she perhaps tion, it received the best actress award. being happy, but reality turned out otherwise. a dream sparked off by all the women who lived a fairy queen? A Viking heroine? As time passes, she loses her grip on life, to their uneventful lives and died. Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Krüger Verlag); retreat into a world of illusion that confounds But could such a dream ever become a reality? Denmark (PP-forlag, pocket edition: Gyldendal); other people. 136 pp The Netherlands (Signature); Sweden (Bra Böcker); Ljosa is Steinsdottir’s third novel, a gripping Norway (Pantagruel); Italy (Edizioni Elliot) • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize English chapters available tale of the joys and sorrows of a unique woman. • The Fjoruverdlaun Award 242 pp Sold to: Chapters in English available Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Verlag C.H Beck); Sweden (Kabusa); Finland (Lurra) Chapters in English and French available

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

Kari Tulinius (b. 1981) Untalented Kristin Eiriksdottir (b. 1981) Martyrs is Kari’ Tuliniu’s first novel, but he has previously previously made a name for herself with her poetry. focused on poetry. His work has been published in the Here, in this collection of short stories, she calls out to be anthology Of Concrete, as well as in the British Poetry heard again in a memorable way. Her voice is strong and Review and elsewhere. importunate – one of the most original of her generation.

“The strength of Untalented Martyrs lies particularly in its structure, how the timeline holds together, Doris Dies and in the plot… an outstanding first go.” Doris deyr, short stories, 2010 Morgunbladid newspaper These are stories of contemporary life, dealing Kristin Eiriksdottir has published three books with relations between the sexes, love, and of poetry that attracted attention for their Untalented Martyrs ordinary drab existence. The stories are beauti- powerful and frank poems, in which expression ful, often funny, but their tone is threatening... takes precedence and there is no holding back. Píslarvottar án hæfileika, novel, 2010 life is always shown in a new and unexpected 165 pp light. The novel Untalented Martyrs is about five terrorism but it is difficult to be a fanatic when One story available in English translation youths in Reykjavik. They all want to leave their there is nothing worthwhile to kill or die for. mark on society, but with little result. They Is it possible to be a hero in a day and age lack- have a half-formed desire to commit an act of ing ideals? 224 pp.

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

KRISTJA N THORDUR PETUR GUNNARSSON (b.1947) is HRAFNSSON (b.1968) is a poet, playwright and among the most widely acclaimed authors of his generation, a renowned translator of plays. His work has been noted for, writer of popular novels, poetry and essays. among other things, the powerful way in which he manages to convey the intimate detail of human relations.

“... a well thought-out “The story unravels in a quiet murmur Trilogy and crafted novel that stirs without resorting to shocks or ruptures. “Gunnarsson achieves the Picture of the World the reader ... Complex And it is precisely this quietness and candour The Way to Rome that ensures this book will haunt the reader’s impossible, endowing the history The Mechanism of Time ... deserves to be read twice. ” mind for a long time to come.” of the universe, natural MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER Myndin af heiminum, 2000 sciences, religion and philosophy Leiðin til Rómar, 2002 – to name but a few – with such Vélar tímans, novels, 2004

The Strong Ones Others’ Thoughts urbane wit and narrative verve The creation of the world, of man – these are Petur Hinir sterku, novel, 2005 Hugsanir annarra, novel, 2002 that it becomes a delight to read Gunnarsson’s themes in the three novels series called The Novel of Iceland. We visit important A young woman has acquired great popularity Others’ Thoughts is an unusual and charming ... The Picture of the World events in the history of Iceland and the Icelanders, and recognition for her assertive hosting of novel about a man’s experience of a secret and is in a class of its own.” crucial places and times. The author follows the a TV debating programme after the evening forbidden passion. A soliloquy to love and the MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER example of medieval writers, who generally sought news – but then a series of unexpected events sacrifices it sometimes demands in its honour, to begin at the beginning, i.e. at the Creation, and shake her world to its foundations. The Strong a story about forbidden love, betrayal, desire, recount history from them. While the narrator Ones is a poignant novel about human conflict, selfishness and generosity. A story about torment probes fundamental questions, he has to tackle the damage it causes to people’s lives, and the and rapture, regret, longing and excitement; them in his own life too – creating an exciting and wounds it conceals. 191 pp a story about feeling and being alive. 125 pp particularly rewarding story, told with the humour, depth and compassion which characterize Petur Gunnarsson’s writing. 128–182 pp

• Nomination for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2000 and 2002

Chapters in English available

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

Head Ransom Troll’s Cathedral OLAFUR GUNNARSSON (b.1948) is among Iceland’s best storytellers. With his highly acclaimed Höfuðlausn, novel, 2005 Tröllakirkja, novel, 1992

trilogy, Trolls’ Cathedral (1992), Potter’s Field (1996) and It is the summer of 1919 and Reykjavik is The year is 1953. An architect yearns to build a Winter Journey (1999), he has earned a place among the major suddenly transformed from a village into a cathedral echoing the shapes of the landscape, the realists in Icelandic letters. Troll’s Cathedral was nominated for town, when a troupe of actors and film crew arc of a seabird’s wing, the hollows of a cliff-face. the Icelandic Literary Prize in 1992 as well as the IMPAC Dublin come to Iceland to shoot Gunnar Gunnarsson’s Yet his current project, plagued by uncertainty and famous Family Saga. Jakob Olafsson, a young debt, is for the first franchise department store Literary Award in 1997. An adaptation for the stage premiered man who runs his own taxi service, drives the in Reykjavik. A single seemingly random act, an at The National Theatre in 1996 and the film right has been foreigners around, and before he knows it, assault on his young son, will destroy the family. sold. Gunnarsson received the Icelandic Literary Prize for his falls in love with the leading lady. There is not Obsessions, dreams and difficult memories lead novel, The Axe and the Earth, in 2004. just one but two women in Jakob’s life when he inevitably to violence. 278 pp meets Asthildur Bjornsdottir, an apprentice • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize goldsmith. But just as Jakob seems to be on • Shortlisted for the Impac Dublin Literary Award “Of all the contemporary Icelandic authors that German readers the point of finding happiness, his life takes a have had an opportunity to read in translation, Olafur Gunnarsson is the one Sold to: UK (Mare’s Nest); Germany (Steidl); twist and reserves him and his close ones an France/Switzerland/Belgium/Luxembourg/ who most obviously picked up the torch from his great colleague and predecessor unexpected fate. 194 pp Canada (Gaïa); The Czech Republic (Host) Halldor Laxness. He also paints an impressive portrait of how contemporary social and economic changes have affected traditional Icelandic society.” Potter’s Field FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG The Axe and the Earth Blóðakur, novel, 1996 Öxin og jörðin, 2003 Set in modern-day Iceland, Potter’s Field is an epic Dark Roses The Axe and the Earth is an historical novel tale of three distinguished families and a Catholic Dimmar rósir, novel, 2008 based on one of the most dramatic events in priest. The families suffer all the problems of Icelandic history, when the catholic bishop an ordinary family, and some more, in spite of The stage is Reykjavik in the years 1969 to 1971, student, from the longhaired drummer to the old Jon Arason and his two sons were executed their wealth and influence. The second volume in years of conflict between the old time and the car mechanic, from the colourless accountant by the leaders of the reformation. This is an Gunnarsson’s trilogy, focusing on the themes of new; the years when Kinks and Led Zeppelin to the actress who is permanently on stage. The exceptionally well written story about faith guilt, responsibility and tragedy. 508 pp hold concerts in Iceland, young people look action is spun around the fates of these two and doubt and how the struggle for power Sold to: UK (Mare’s Nest) towards the future in a state either of expecta- families, unexpectedly entwined together in an dominates the actions of characters who step tion or intoxication, as the case may be, and enthralling read. forward from the mists of the past. The human the older generation really don‘t know what hit In this book Gunnarsson paints a vibrant qualities of Gunnarsson’s characters make Winter Journey them. The dramatis personnae is formed by two portrait of a period and a set of characters faces their tragedy only too tangible in our own Vetrarferðin, novel, 1999 picturesque families in town. The characters with the fundamental issues of integrity and principle-testing times. 366 pp come in all sizes and shapes; from the rebel- ethics. 408 pp Sigrun is an ambitious Reykjavik businesswoman lious teenage girl to the well-meaning theology • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2003 during World War II who pays a high price for Chapters in English available • The Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize 2003 the fulfillment of her goals. This third novel in

Sold to: Gunnarsson’s trilogy deals with difficult questions Lithuania (Pasvires Pasaulis); France/Switzer- of integrity, loyalty and responsibility in a world land/Belgium/Luxembourg/Canada (Gaïa) Film rights sold to: where “homo homini lupus est”. 482 pp Palomar Pictures, producer Joni Sighvatsson · 40 · · 41 · Film rights sold to: Spellbound Production, producer Fridrik Thor Fridriksson

Literary fiction Literary fiction

“... This is a wide-ranging novel which introduces The Innocents a new perspective into Icelandic literature.” OLAFUR JOHANN OLAFSSON MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER (b.1962) has carved out an unusually impressive career Sakleysingjarnir, novel, 2004

as a novelist. Formerly the president of Sony Interactive Dagur Alfred, the protagonist of this book, a boy his life. The characters are complex and cut deep- Entertainment, Olafsson is currently vice chairman of Time born on a door in the middle of the last century, er than many first imagine. A powerful tale about Warmer Digital Media. His books have all become best- recounts his incredible life and lets others decide human frailty, solitude, fate, love and nostalgia. sellers in Iceland. whether he is innocent. Olafsson takes the reader The author’s elegant style interweaves perfectly Literary agent: on a phenomenal journey set against the back- with this exciting plot, which is unravelled with Marsh Agency e-mail: [email protected] drop of Iceland, England, India and the United great artistry and keeps the reader captivated States. Dagur Alfred carries the world on his from beginning to end. 555 pp shoulders and the individuals who meander into “… top-notch Nordic novelist, who may become English translation available that true rarity, an Icelandic Nobel Prize winner.”

FORBES MAGAZINE “Olafsson, a tremendous talent, Walking into the Night has written an unforgettable novel.” Höll minninganna, novel, 2001 “An ambitious, harrowing collection.” THE BOSTON GLOBE LIBRARY JOURNAL A powerful novel about an Icelander, Kristjan, An unforgettable study of human destiny, love, “There’s not an ounce of fat on most of these stories; who vanished from his family and friends one segregation, isolation, solitude and nostalgia. Olafsson is an admirably brisk, compelling narrator.” dark night and ended up as a servant to the Stylishly written with vibrant characters.

KIRKUS REVIEWS American tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, at Walking into the Night was highly acclaimed by the end of the first World War. What possessed both readers and critics, and is currently being Valentines him to abandon his wife, children and blossom- developed into a movie. 324 pp ing company and the security of Reykjavik? Aldingarðurinn, linked stories, 2006 Sold to: How did he end up in the service of Hearst, the USA (Pantheon); UK (Faber and Faber); Sweden A haunting collection of thematically linked sto- Coast to the West Coast, from Paris to Slovenia press magnate, on the Pacific Ocean? (AlfabetaAnamma); Italy (Longanesi); The Netherlands (Nijgh en Van Ditmar); Israel (Modan); Italy (Longanesi); ries that encompass the twelve months of a year, and Iceland, these contemporary stories probe Russia (Azbooka); Serbia (RDP B92); Spain (RBA); capturing the most candid moments between the complexity of modern relationships over Turkey (Can Yayinlari) lovers, husbands and wives, parents and chil- time. Each of the twelve stories reveals another The Journey Home dren, when truths and true feelings surge to the element in the agonizing nature of passion, Slóð fiðrildanna, novel, 1999 surface and everything changes. Olafsson’s fans diminished and yet sustained over time. A • Nomination for The IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2002 will recognize the perfect restraint and precision powerful work of fiction from one of our most Olafsson weaves a powerful and moving story • A Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection – and quick wit – with which he characteristi- gifted and subtle international writers at work • Nominated as one of the 100 best novels of 2005 of Icelandic destiny into the turbulent history of cally explores these dark epiphanies, when the today. 288 pp in the Netherlands by BOEK magazine Europe in the mid 20th century. For years Asdis heart is suddenly laid bare, whether by love or Sold to: • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2006 Jonsdottir has run a smart country-house hotel betrayal, disenchantment or regret, or the shock USA (Pantheon, hardcover; Vintage, paperb.); UK (Faber • The O Henry Award 2008 for the short story April in England but now she must confront the decep- and Faber); Germany (Knaus); Spain (RBA); Italy (Longanesi); of loss. While their settings range from the East tions in her life – and the truth. She must return France (Seuil); Denmark (Lindhardt & Ringhof); Sweden (Alfa- Sold to: betaAnamma); Israel (Modan); Portugal (Temas & Debates); USA (Knopf); Serbia (RTV B92, Samizdat B92); home – to the island she left 20 years before – in China (Chongqing); The Netherlands (Nijgh & van Ditmar) Israel (Modan); Japan (Hakusui-Sha) search of the life she turned her back on. 367 pp Film rights sold to: Hollywood – Paloma Pictures

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

ofeigur Sigurdsson (b. 1975) oskar Magnusson (b. 1954) is has previously published five volumes of poetry and the educated in law. He first worked as a news director and novel Texture (2005). Supreme Court attorney but for nearly two decades has been the director of various businesses. He is now the publisher of the daily Morgunbladid.

Jon Hafnarfjordur Hrafnkelsson Jón, novel, 2010 Hafnarfjörður Hrafnkelsson, short stories, 2010

In 1755 Reverend Jon Steingrimsson from happen to him that winter. He then receives a Oskar Magnusson’s short stories are mainly con- the characters with whom the reader shares Skagafjordur travels south to Myrdalur to look visit from the traveling companions Eggert and cerned with common folk in everyday situations pleasant company. after his wife’s farm. He lies under suspicion of Bjarni, as well as Sheriff Skuli. He also reflects that everyone recognizes. The author brings his Oskar’s stories are multifarious. Most often having murdered her former husband and has in his letters on the story of the love between characters to life with an acute sense of the dis- they take on an ironical tone and even become been expelled from his position at Reynistadur him and Thorunn, which turned out to be so tinctive features in their demeanor and behavior, frolicsome, but in most of them there are serious Monastery. The South, however, is not a desir- fateful. not least in the fine details, for which he has a undertones and frequently minute traces of able place in which to dwell: Katla is erupting Jon Steingrimsson is one of the most well- sharp eye. We meet a sensitive composer in criticism. and Myrdalur is shrouded in a cloud of ash, but known clerics in the history of Iceland, the “The Apartment Block”, a countryside farrier in This is the author’s second short-story collection. Jon goes to live in the Badstofuhellir cave along famous “fire priest” of the Skafta eruptions. “The Premiere”, a couple travelling in Venice in The first one was published in 2006, to an with his brother and a farmhand. In letters to In this unique novel we meet him long before “The Fine Evening” and a former bank manager excellent reception by both readers and critics. his wife he describes the many things that those renowned events. 214 pp in “Sigurjon.” Dr. Hroar, Ingveldur Melinda, 156 pp and the prostitute Françoise Girbaud are among

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RAGNA SIGURDARDOTTIR (b.1962) SIGRUN DAVIDSDOTTIR (b.1953) is also an artist and art critic. In 1993 she published her first is the author of a series of a popular range of cookery books novel Borg (City), which was nominated for the Icelandic as well as fiction. Her book for children, Silfur Egils, received Literary Prize the same year. The Reykjavik City Literary Award as the children’s book of the year in 1989. She lives in London where she’s a correspondent for Icelandic and foreign media.

“In this unique novel about ordinary people Ragna Sigurdardottir succeeds in exposing those illusions that have only recently fallen from favour. “Davidsdottir´s narrative is well spun and few loose ends. The Perfect Landscape demonstrates conclusively that Sigurdardottir The book is confidently structured and the main strength lies in the fact is one of the best novelists of her generation.” that the author manages to build up a great tension between the main characters, arriving at a believable and sensual climax ... MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER Uchronia is a skilfully written novel and the characters are excellently depicted.”

“I think this is a very fine book... Well written and well put together... MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER outwardly unpretentious but with much going on beneath the surface. Crafted in such a way that it stays with you after reading it.”

Kiljan TV programme Uchronia Feimnismál, novel, 2006

The Perfect Landscape A young Icelandic photographer in New York is Steeped in sensuality, Uchronia takes us on a Hið fullkomna landslag, novel, 2009 assigned to photograph the widow of one of the complex erotic journey through life in New York, most famous photographers of our time. They Paris, Naples and Iceland: food, betrayal and Hanna returns to Iceland from Amsterdam to In this original story, Sigurdardottir taps into seem to have little in common, other than the attachment are just some of the elements in this arrange an exhibition space in the city’s Art Mu- her insights into the art world in a unique way. fact that they are both Icelanders living abroad. novel that explores the senses and sheds new seum. Iceland is enjoying a financial boom and Characters from the Icelandic and international However, he is captivated by her age and experi- light on the meaning of time, intimacy, nature tycoons are lavishing expensive gifts on the mu- art world and museums are vividly brought to ence, she by his youth and enthusiasm – and and pleasure in the uncharted landscape of love, seum. One of them is a landscape painting with life and collide in conflicts that are driven by their fatherland and the Icelandic language turn body and soul. 408 pp a birch tree by a famous artist from the last cen- ambition, greed and betrayal – and the passion out to create an unexpected bond between them. Chapters in English available tury. The only problem is that the head warden for art. 224 pp of the museum, the enigmatic Steinn, believes Chapters in English available the painting to be a forgery. Is it? And what can be done if it turns out not to be genuine?

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SIGURBJORG STEINAR BRAGI (b.1975) studied comparative THRASTARDOTTIR (b.1973) has a B.A. literature and philosophy at the University of Iceland. His first degree in comparative literature at the University of Iceland published book was the poetry collection Blackhole in 1998. as well as a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Since then he has sent forward a number of poetry books as She works as a journalist for Morgunbladid newspaper along- well as novels. His first novel The Tower came out in 2000, side her work as a writer and poet. followed by Worrydolls in 2002.

“... a kind of doom-story, a darkly sinister and painful work that deals with pornography, “The reader is deeply moved … debasement, slavery and sexual and spiritual violence against women, presented in the manner of a skilfully built, self-deconstructing thriller.” Thrastardottir here depicts the effects of gross abuse in a vivid, MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER effective manner. The Story of Sol is a rewarding read “Steinar Bragi’s simple tale of a young couple’s failed romance for all those who love good fiction … The reader is left is heartbreaking, understated, and at times funny.” with beautiful words and hope in his soul.” bookslut.com STUDENTABLADID NEWSPAPER White Mountain Women “Compelling and impressive … Himinninn yfir Þingvöllum, Konur, novel, 2008 three stories, 2009 written with remarkable style and art.” Eva Einarsdottir returns home to Iceland after JURY’ ASSESSMENT Three young men. Three young girls. Three living in New York. She has been offered a rent- different worlds: Reykjavik, the French Alps free apartment in a hi-tech high-rise with state- and a oil rig that is suddenly left standing in of-the-art security and monitoring in downtown The Story of Sol the middle of a desert when the sea disappears. Reykjavik. Women depicts Iceland in the moments Sólar saga, novel, 2002 Despair looms everywhere in a deafening before the crash, when fantasies of Reykjavik as silence and profound solitude that lead to a financial powerhouse at the edge of the world A young Icelandic girl living in Italy is brutally bizarre events and extremes. reached their dizziest heights of madness. But it is attacked and raped. The first person narrative In these three gripping stories, Steinar Bragi also, obviously, a book about women: how women of Sol (Sun) traces her ensuing search for her- explores solitude and the longing to connect, become commodities in the neo-libertarian world self as she collects the pieces of a shattered self- the borderline between the human and in- where everything has its price. The sense of image in this highly unusual odyssey through human, and the link between reality and the menace intensifies as the work progresses, culmi- one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. 231 pp imaginary with the same sensitivity that he nating in the excruciating second half. 220 pp displayed in Women which was so warmly • Tomas Gudmundsson Literary Award 2002 • Nominated for the DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award 2009 received by both readers and critics last year. • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize 2010 Chapters in English available 230 pp Sold to: Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Verlag Antje Kunstmann); One story available in English translation France (Métailié); Sweden (Natur & Kultur); Poland (Krytyka Polityczna) Chapters in English available · 48 · · 49 ·

Literary fiction Literary fiction

SIGURDUR PALSSON (b.1948) was born in Northern Iceland and studied literature, drama and cinema direction in Paris. He is one of the most unique and intimate poets of his generation and a prolific translator of French literature. Palsson has won numerous awards for his work. He received Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1990. Night Lodging Blue Triangle Næturstaður, novel, 2002 Blár þríhyrningur, novel, 2000

The magnificent descriptions of nature and The second of Sigurdur Palsson’s novels, Blue powerful characterizations prove irresistible Triangle, proves that the renowned poet has fully “The novel achieves almost a musical quality and resounds to the reader as he is drawn into a narrative mastered his new medium. His purity of style and stream where past, present and future unite, lively characters drive the plot, with scenes of true in the mind of the reader long after the final page.” spreading new and refreshing perceptions. erotic beauty. 179 pp WORLD LITERATURE TODAY 176 pp

A Notebook from Memory “Full of magic, sharp insight and poetic imagery.” Minnisbók, novel, 2007 ICELANDIC NATIONAL BROADCASTING SERVICE

Fourteen years would pass before Sigurdur which actually created them in the first place Palsson finally returned to Iceland from Paris, and with time sensation becomes the real es- The Paris Wheel where he arrived after graduating from second- sence of memory. Sigurdur Palsson’s memories Parísarhjól, novel, 1998 ary school in 1967. This is a memoir from those are distilled, sensual snapshots of France, and A novel that spans a summer in the life of a young years, but as the author points out in the first Paris especially, during the years when he made Icelandic artist who is faced with great sorrow at chapter, memories come into existence even if the country his home. 295 pp the death of the person closest to him. A serious they are in a state of perpetual motion. They are • The Icelandic Literary Award 2007 and sensual novel, where joy and grief are mingled filtered through time and through the senses, with an adept sensitivity. 188 pp English synopsis and excerpt available

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Sigurdur Gudmundsson (b.1942) STEINUNN JOHANNESDOTTIR is one of Iceland’s most important pioneers of concept art. (b.1948) studied drama in Stockholm and worked as an actress His previous novels are Tabula rasa (1993) and The Invisible for some years. Gudridur’s Journey is her first novel. The book Woman (2000), which was nominated for the Icelandic Literary was on the bestseller list in Iceland for months and has been Award. Like the other novels, The Beasts in Saigon is an inter- reprinted every year after its first publication. weaving of a traditional biographical sketch and fiction.

“The author does a very good job of re-creating the period and the surroundings for the reader in vivid detail … And here the author has succeeded admirably… “… at once fiction and a philosophical experiment about Gudridur’s character description is never simplistic; on the contrary, the author communicates to us a complex and multifaceted image which stays man… the book worked on me like a lyrical work of fancy with the reader long after the book has concluded.” replete with eroticism, even though the erotic element MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER never directly becomes physical. What is remarkable about this complicated book is how readable and accessible it is Endowment Gudridur’s Journey despite all of its imaginative complications.” Heimanfylgja, novel, 2010 Reisubók Guðríðar Símonardóttur, historical novel, 2001 Morgunbladid newspaper This captivating novel, set in 17th century Iceland, narrates formation years at the episcopal see In 1627 one of the most dramatic and terrifying at Holar of Hallgrimur Petursson, the writer of events in Icelandic history occurred, the so-called The Beasts in Saigon the nation’s favourite hymns. Characterised by Turkish Raid, when sea raiders from a distant world passion, love and conflict, the story of Hallgrimur took some 400 Icelanders prisoner, and transported Dýrin frá Saigon, novel, 2010 Peturson is set against the backdrop of dramatic them south across the sea to be sold into slavery contemporary events: volcanic eruptions, politi- on the Barbary Coast. Among them was Gudridur In The Beasts in Saigon, the artist Sigurdur The Beasts in Saigon is Sigurdur Gudmunds- cal power struggles and raids by Turkish pirates. Simonardottir, a young fisherman’s wife and mother Gudmundsson is fivefold: besides the man in son’s third novel, written during its author’s People and places, both real and invented, come from the Westman Islands. Author Steinunn him there is also a horse that is a poet, a homo- ten-month stay in Vietnam in 2008. In the novel alive as they appear in the story. Gradually we see Johannesdottir follows Gudridur on her lengthy sexual swan, a seagull that expresses itself only the artist attempts to survive without language, a unique personality emerging, grappling with journey to slavery in Algiers, tells of her nine-year in English and a fourteen-year-old girl who is a divorces himself from his own culture, and tries major setbacks. His poetic talents cost him dearly, stay there, and then of her journey northward, until philosopher. This quintet enjoys life to the hilt, living like a wise beast. It is at once a poetical yet also serve as his solace and salvation. she once more sees Iceland, together with the young composes poetry and creates the most magni- and philosophical work and an unusual love Steinunn Johannesdottir weaves an imaginative theology student, Hallgrimur Petursson, who ficent works of art. story. 228 pp and sympathetic portrait from the limited sources eventually becomes the country’s most celebrated that exist on Peturson’s early years and develop- hymnist. 499 pp ment. Among her previous works is the novel Sold to: Gudridur’s Journey, which tells the amazing tale Germany (Wunderlich/Rowohlt); Norway (Engelstad) of Peturson’s wife, who was among those captured English synopsis available and translation of two chapters. One chapter available in Swedish, synopsis in French. by Turkish raiders and sold into slavery. 350 pp · 52 · · 53 ·

Literary fiction Literary fiction

SVAVA JAKOBSDOTTIR (1930–2004) THORBERGUR THORDARSON was one of Iceland’s leading contemporary authors and her (1888–1947) was a superb stylist who won a wide following with short stories, often depicting the lives of women, hold a his humorous autobiographical writings. In 1924 Thorbergur special place in Icelandic literature. Jakobsdottir was also Thordarson published Letters to My Beloved (Bréf til Láru), acclaimed as a playwright, literary scholar and a novelist. one of the most unusual prose works in Icelandic. In it he broke all the conventions about subject and language and established himself as one of the greatest Icelandic stylists.

Rights to Íslenzkur Aðall Sold to: Germany (S. Fischer Verlag)

“The style of this book is unusually rich and composed of dissimilar elements, harsh realistic descriptions and poetic inspiration from the world of the Edda and myth... Svava Jakobsdottir’s most significant, most mature and greatest work to date, and one of “Thordarson is the most interesting the best and most noteworthy novels to appear in Iceland in recent years.” – if eccentric – of all modern Icelandic writers SV. SK. HOSKULDSSON, PROFESSOR OF ICELANDIC LITERATURE ... he was a superior writer.”

MARTIN SEYMOR-SMITH

The Saga of Gunnlod Gunnlaðar saga, novel, 1987

A young Icelandic woman is arrested in the until it was stolen by the god Odin. The narrator National Gallery of Denmark for stealing a price- is the woman’s mother, who gradually comes to less gold urn. The police suspect she is either understand and appreciate the significance of mad or a terrorist, but the woman herself claims her story. 196 pp she is just recovering her birthright – the gold • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize urn containing the mead of poetic creativity • The Henrik Steffens Prize 1997 which she, Gunnlod, guarded in ancient times, Sold to: Norway (Cappelens forlag); Sweden (Norstedts); Denmark (Rhodos); Finland (Otava); France (Corti); Lithuania (Tyto Alba); Italy (Giardini); UK/USA (Norvik Press)

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Morning Verse The Grey Moss Glows THOR VILHJALMSSON (b.1925) is Grámosinn glóir, novel, 1986 considered the leading innovator in modern Icelandic literature. in the Grass He has published around 25 books in Icelandic: novels, short Morgunþula í stráum, novel, 1998 A historical novel set in 19th-century Iceland, stories, poetry, travel books, essays, besides three mono- now considered a Nordic classic. A story of love A historical novel based on characters from the graphies on painters. His books have been translated widely between half-brother and sister, and their pro- classic 13th-century Sturlunga Saga. In 1234, secution by the authorities, a narrative of drama, into all the Nordic languages, and other languages as well such Sturla Sighvatsson set off for Rome to seek Papal poetry and landscapes; a compelling novel of as English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. Vilhjalmsson absolution for his sins, and, as Sturlunga Saga obsession and aversion. 267 pp received the prestigious Nordic Council Prize for Literature in recounts, was led between the principal churches. • The Nordic Council Literary Prize 1988 1988 for his novel The Grey Moss Glows. He has long held a He stood then at the peak of his achievements, and leading role in the cultural life of Iceland. had even greater ambitions. His aim was to gain Sold to: Denmark (Vindrose); Norway (Norsk Gyldendal); supreme power in Iceland. But something went Finland (Otava); Sweden (Wiken/Bra böcker); wrong with the plans of this splendid potentate. Germany (Kleinheinrich/Paperback rights: Ullstein); Morning Verse in the Grass contains hard-won France (Actes Sud); Italy (Iperborea); Turkey (Telos Yayinalik); UK (Mare’s Nest, published under the wisdom; it is a contemplation on power and pride, “Discovering Vilhjalmsson is an absolute must; title Justice Undone); Bulgaria (Hemus); Lithuania violence and love, and is a confrontation with the (Lithuanian Writers’ Union Publishers); Spain (Nórdica) he is a great author, and it is irrelevant whether or not he is Icelandic.” heroic myths Iceland has inherited. 290 pp

INROCKUPTIBLES • The Icelandic Literary Prize 1998

Sold to: Killing in the Deep “Wreath is an ambitious novel … Sweden (Bra böcker); Denmark (Borgen/Vindrose); A challenging modern work, which fuses the present with the past, and reminds us France (Actes Sud); Italy (Iperborea); Germany/ of Night that the age of battles is still upon us in the world; the ruthless lust for power, Austria/Switzerland (Osburg Buch Verlag); vendettas, warfare and contemporary bloody religious conflicts are clear signs Spain (Nórdica) Náttvíg, novel, 1989 Chapters in English and a synopsis available that history repeats itself; taking us back to a new Sturlunga Age.” Love, death, the sea: the author interweaves MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER these threads in a stirring story set in Reykjavik’s “Thor Vilhjalmsson is undoubtedly known underworld, revealed through the mouth of a taxi as a master of style, and this book The Wreath driver. Most of the story takes place in the course certainly won’t disappoint his admirers, Sveigur, novel, 2002 if anything increase their numbers ... of two nights. The first night is characterised by a This is an accessible text which bears all the series of seemingly innocent events, but the dark- In this novel, Thor Vilhjalmsson once more monks, and later becomes retainer to a powerful trademarks of Vilhjalmsson at the height ness conceals a killing; on the second three louts delves into that great magical treasure of the chieftain, and witnesses the harshest civil war in of his powers; his mastery of style and visual burst into the narrator’s car and force him on an power merge well with the exciting past: the 13th century classic, Sturlunga Saga. Iceland in the 13th century. 207 pp expedition. The journey triggers off the narrator’s narrative weaved out the sagas, recollections The Wreath paints a captivating picture of the memories about his past at sea, violence, death • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2002 and consciousness of the Icelanders.” life of a poet who is born a pauper, raised by and the precariousness of life. MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER Sold to: A dark vision of human nature, urban anguish France (Actes Sud); Italy (Iperborea) seen in Vilhjalmsson’s inimitable, grand literary style. 245 pp

Sold to: Denmark (Vindrose); Sweden (Wiken); France (Actes Sud)

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Literary fiction Literary fiction

“The Baron is a beautifully crafted book THORARINN ELDJARN (b.1949) is one and a historical novel of the best possible kind.” of Iceland’s most admired authors and the recipient of many MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER awards. He has tackled every genre; he is one of Iceland’s most accomplished poets, has published countless children’s books, “The story of the baron in Hvitarvellir is absolutely charming.”

written novels, collections of short stories and scripts and also FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER worked as a translator.

The Baron The Blue Tower Baróninn, historical novel, 2004 Brotahöfuð, historical novel, 1996

“Eldjarn’s ingenius mastery of the short story form This gripping novel is based on the fantastic A brilliantly written novel, set in Iceland and is already beyond discussion. His social criticism, on the other but true story of the tragic life of Baron Charles Denmark in the 17th century. Accused of en- Gauldrée Boilleau, a mysterious French/American couraging immorality, Gudmundur Andresson hand, has never been as sharp as it is in these stories because musician and son of a French diplomat, turned was sent to prison in Copenhagen’s notorious Blue the role of fiction now more than ever is to define the truth, farmer and entrepreneur in remote and backward Tower. Andresson is probably the only prisoner expose trickery and tell the truth.” Iceland in 1898–1901. who has managed to „escape“ from there, which Baron Boilleau was a multifaceted man and the he did when he accidentally fell through the bars MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER book gives us a vivid portrait of the “belle époque” of his cell window, to the astonishment of an of the Euro-American bourgeoisie, and how a aristocratic couple who were copulating inside “Eldjarn is a great stylist and subtle humorist man’s artistic aspirations and ideals of progress a room below. This dramatic entrance drew ... an entertaining collection of well thought-out stories.” become shipwrecked once they hit the barren the king’s attention to Andresson’s case, and in

KILJAN, ICELANDIC STATE TELEVISION shores of a backward Icelandic society. Sophisti- the end the charges against him were dropped. cated, a cellist and composer, educated in a British A timeless and universal historical novel. 252 pp boarding school and with a second home on the • Shortlisted for the European Aristeion Literary Award Italian Riviera, Boilleau tries to establish a dairy • Nomination for the Nordic Council Literary Prize Always the Same Story in Iceland at the turn of the 1900’s. It can only • Nomination for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2001 Alltaf sama sagan, short stories, 2009 lead to one thing: disaster. An exceptionally well written book by one of Iceland’s most popular and Sold to: UK (Mare’s Nest); Finland (Like); Always the Same Story contains eleven stories gratiating stories in here for just about everyone. respected authors of the past quarter-century. France (Le Cavalier Bleu); presenting a rich gallery of characters and Thorarinn Eldjarn is a linguistic wizard who A book where the incredible is true, and the Denmark (Poul Kristensens Forlag) wonders from the past, present and future. likes to play with his characters, ideas, words credible untrue. 309 pp The stories feature a poetic speaking dog, an and, not least, the readers themselves: What’s Film rights sold to: Krumma Films “Gripping saga ... insistently ancient Saab, a mysterious oaf, a lost hammer, a the man thinking of – or is it perhaps always the English and French chapters available revolution in the population’s sporting activities, same story? 159 pp memorable and intensely real.” haunted places and hardships. These are in- PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

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Girl with a Finger THORUNN VALDIMARSDOTTIR “This is an intricate novel … Stúlka með fingur, novel, 1999 (b.1954) is a writer and historian whose earlier works count It is written in lucid and powerful language, novels, books of poetry, biographies and academic publications. the characters are convincing and memorable, A novel recounting the life of an ordinary young and the story becomes true to life girl, Unnur Jonsdottir, her relationships and Her books have received numerous awards, such as nomina- through its special manner of projecting tions for the Icelandic Literary Prize and the Nordic Council’s a novel look at society, a look which is forbidden love. The author skilfully weaves a dramatic and exciting tale about life at the turn Literary Prize. as convincing as it is challenging.” of the last century. 314 pp WORLD LITERATURE TODAY

• The DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award 1999 • Nominated for the Nordic Literature Prize 2001

Sold to: “... this is above all a riveting contemporary story Sweden (Publish America) that gives the reader more satisfaction than can usually be expected from reading crime fiction.” Morgunbladid Newspaper (on Cold Blood) Quite Enough “Openness, honesty and human insight Alveg nóg, novel, 1997 characterize the tale of Gudrun’s relationships and the loss of her child. Yet it is The heroine, Gudrun Jonsdottir, is in Copenhagen Thorunn Valdimarsdottir’s mastery reminiscing about the past, her search for love and The Lion Has Cold Blood of suspense techniques that makes the tragic events that upset her existence. But with Kalt er annars blóð, novel, 2007 Quite Enough hold the reader’s enthusiastic Many Ears attention until the final page.” the realization that destiny can not be escaped, Gudrun manages to turn her life around. 148 pp Mörg eru ljónsins eyru, Cold Blood is an unusual crime novel where WORLD LITERATURE TODAY novel, 2010 the traditional format is beautifully interlaced • Nominated for the DV Newspaper’s Cultural with the Icelandic traditional Saga and Icelandic Award 1997 The Lion has Many Ears is a second novel in fate in the past and present. a crime series using the Icelandic Sagas as a In the chilly city of Reykjavik a raven circles model. This time the author plays with themes the sky and watches events unfold that will have The Four Elements, from Laxdaela Saga and recreates it in a dire consequences. He sees things hidden to “The Four Elements is a remarkable, modern context. human eyes – money exchanging hands, cats unusual and somewhat provocative book. Love Letter Service This novel is a follow up of Cold Blood, nomi- run over by cars, houses burnt to the ground, With extraordinary eloquence the author tests Höfuðskepnur, ástarbréfa- nated for the Icelandic Literature Prize in 2007, and people shot like dogs. When Asa finds a body the boundaries of morality and challenges þjónusta, 1994 resetting scenes from Niall’s Saga in a contempo- by chance in a gravel mound out on the heath our views on love and sex, as she explores the relationship between author and reader and rary setting. In these stories the traditional many unknown things start coming to light – A young woman is offered a hefty sum to write comments on the role of literary art in society.” crime fiction format is beautifully interlaced what drives people to make away with others love letters to a stranger and decides to go for it. WORLD LITERATURE TODAY with the Icelandic traditional Saga and Icelandic and what happens when restraints disappear one 221 pp fate in the past and present. 324 pp by one and things spin out of control? 332 pp

• Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2007

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VALUR GUNNARSSON (b.1976) divided VIGDIS GRIMSDOTTIR (b.1953) has re- his childhood between Iceland, Norway and Great Britain, ceived widespread recognition for her work and her books have and spent his summers as a teenager in Saudi-Arabia and been translated into several languages. Vigdis has won many China where his father worked as an engineer. He has a BA prizes for her writing, including among other things, the Icelandic in History, and an MA from the Creative Writing program Literary Prize. Two of her novels have been adapted for the at Queens University Belfast. He has worked as a free-lance stage in Sweden and Iceland, and one of her novels, Cold Light journalist and correspondent in Iceland for foreign media. (Kaldaljós), has been made into a major motion picture.

“Bibi Olafsdottir’s tale is not your run-of-the-mill “The King of the North is a thoroughly entertaining book, confessional story of an Icelandic working class hero hilarious and interesting.” or a leading figure, and it isn’t told with mild detachment but VIDSKIPTABLADID NEWSPAPER poetic intimacy and warmth ... This is a truly beautifully written book about a woman’s development and a dramatic “A wonderful first book from this author.” tale with some moments of high drama.” FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER King of the North Konungur norðursins, novel, 2007 Bibi Bíbí, sagan af Bíbí Ólafsdóttur, novel, 2008 Ilkka Hämälainen is an unloved and overweight Freyr, which can even defeat Hel, the goddess Helsinki shipcleaner, who silently and from afar of death. When hapless Ilkka finally succeeds Bibi is the extraordinary story of a tenacious young daughter was given no hope of survival. adores a girl at the supermarket, and sometimes in finding the sword the spirit uses it to cut the working class woman who never falters in the Her attitude is an incitement to us all to embrace has strange dreams about leaving his own body. silver chord which connects his spirit with his face of adversity, a woman who makes the im- adversity with humour, goodwill towards others In a bout of depression Ilkka stows away on a body. Now Ilkka must go to Hel to get another possible possible. Her tale is brought to life and to rejoice in the small things of life. ferry bound for Sweden, with the intention of chance at life and then retrieve his body. But through the stylistic ingenuity of Vigdis Vigdis Grimsdottir evokes the era so vividly that becoming outrageously drunk. While he lies does he really want to return to a world he Grimsdottir’s pen. you can hear the creaking of the old barracks helpless in drunken stupor his body is occupied never really liked to begin with? Partly set in Bibi Olafsdottir was born in 1952 under difficult dwellings in the Mulakampur neighbourhood, by an unscrupulous ghost which had been 6th century Sweden and Finland, this original circumstances and this is her dramatic story. sniff that peculiar smell or stench in the air, haunting the Baltic for a millennium. The ghost first novel is littered with allusions to the She speaks with candid honesty and leaves sense the joy and sorrow, and experience the subtly takes control without Ilkka’s knowing and Eddas, as well as to the Finnish national epic, no stone unturned, because she is true to the character’s relentless struggle and determina- sends him on a quest to the North in search of The Kalevala. 196 pp promise that she once made to herself when her tion to succeed. the necklace of Freyja, and the mighty sword of Chapters in English available Sold to: Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Cargo Verlag)

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Literary fiction Literary fiction vigdis grimsdottir vigdis grimsdottir

“This is a truly unique, riveting, mysterious “Cold Light is an ode to beauty, trust, and cruelty; and multi-layered book.” a multi-faceted story of love and mystique, yet of realism. Svenska dagbladet Crafted with great skill. Incomparable! … A work of art that I wish I could frame on my wall.”

“She bewitches the reader into following her on an Morgunbladid newspaper adventurous journey where beauty reigns supreme to the point that it becomes impossible for the reader to remain Cold Light as an impassive observer, he simply has to take part in it.” Kaldaljós, novel, 1987 Trelleborgs Allehanda The story of Grimur Hermundsson and his family The book describes an unusually beautiful and has captured the imagination of Icelandic readers contradictory life of Icelanders who face a cruel From Light to Light When a Star Falls ever since its publication in 1987. Based partially nature and the misdeeds of their fellow beings on a true story, a misfortune devastating an Ice- with their imagination, dreams and poetry. Frá ljósi til ljóss, novel, 2001 Þegar stjarna hrapar, novel, 2003 landic fishing village, legend and fairy tales are There is no doubt that Cold Light sets Grimsdottir In this first volume of Vigdis Grimsdottir’s trilogy The third and last book in the trilogy. The also a source of inspiration for the author. amongst those of our contemporary authors who the reader is introduced to Rosa, her friends and characters struggle with their existence, heated best know how to tell a story. 254 pp family. The secrets, wishes and dreams of these emotions, difficult history and ironic fate, in an Film rights sold to: characters are revealed as they try their best to unforeseen and momentous manner. Before long Icelandic Film Corporation find their way in a confusing world of contradic- no-one is safe on that merry-go-round of dreams tions and underlying conflicts, truth and lies, and reality, which does not come to a halt until all “The Silence is probably Grimsdottir’s best novel, but at the same time the most unrelenting. life and death – not knowing what awaits them the chickens have come home to roost. 218 pp At first she shows us a picture of a beautiful relationship around the corner. 196 pp Sold to: between a young girl and her grandmother. Finland (WSOY/Johnny Kniga) Sold to: Gradually, however, a shadow darkens that picture Finland (WSOY/Johnny Kniga); Sweden (Anamma) – until it at last becomes simply frightening.”

Falu Kuriren Heart, Moon and Blue Birds The Silence Hjarta, tungl og bláir fuglar, novel, 2002 Þögnin, novel, 2000 Grimsdottir has a unique talent for unveiling the In The Silence Grimsdottir perhaps delves deeper and teaches her to appreciate art and culture, truth and providing insight into the complex re- than ever before, juxtaposing love and submis- albeit in a truly novel way. The book starts as lations between human beings. Her mesmerizing siveness against repression and folly in a context Linda returns to Iceland after a period of study in narrative style is here at its best, as the characters that makes it impossible for readers to shun their the United States to sit by her grandmother’s death deal with a new reality in a colourful setting where responsibilities. Linda’s grandmother, who early bed. She recalls her childhood and her relation- bluebirds nest in the trees, and miracles happen. on in her life decided to commit herself to silence, ship with her grandmother since her very infancy. 236 pp plays a major role in the young girl’s upbringing 381 pp Sold to: Sweden (Anamma); Finland (WSOY/Johnny Kniga)

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“Vilborg Davidsdottir has put plenty of effort into her historical VILBORG DAVIDSDOTTIR (b.1965) is the author of popularly acclaimed historical novels, in- and geographical research, which makes The Raven a very cluding, among others, The Raven which was nominated for tangible and thought-provoking story …” the Icelandic Literary Prize. She hosts her own blog, Mindful FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER Living, in Icelandic at www.vilborgd.blogspot.com

“In Magic Davidsdottir skilfully weaves together a story of great destinies, personal as well as social. It seems to have been very well researched and the grimness “The characterisation in the story is superb and this is of its social struggles is expressed with great clarity. where the writer’s strength lies. Audur the Wise Woman A finely-honed narrative, this is an extremely is revealed very much alive, an independent, hot-tempered, well written novel.”

proud and daring woman... Davidsdottir has convincingly MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER demonstrated that she is an excellent historical novelist...” www.eyjan.is The Raven Magic – A Novel Hrafninn, historical novel, 2005 Galdur – skáldsaga, historical novel, 2000 Audur Naaja grows up with her father in an Inuit com- Auður, historical novel, 2009 munity in fifteenth-century Greenland. Mutual The year is 1419. Ragnfridur and Thorkell are support is the cornerstone of Inuit society but betrothed as children, by decision of their high- Audur is set in the British Isles in the 9th stantly being waged between the Norse invaders father and daughter are at odds with their world, ranking parents. But Ragnfridur becomes pregnant century. As is the case in many of Vilborg’s other and the islanders of the Atlantic. initially due to the father’s idiosyncrasy but later by an English castaway, and after this Thorkell works, the heroine is a young woman, but this Audur’s kin are all heathens, but when she because of what happens in the solitude of a de- leaves to study at the Sorbonne in Paris. While he time she is a well known figure from the Icelan- meets the Scottish monk Gilli she is attracted to serted fjord one winter when Naaja and her father is away, unrest grows in Iceland. The Norwegian dic sagas: Audur the Deep-Minded, one of the his message about the White Christ. What she forsake their village. authorities feel threatened by the growing English first main settlers in Iceland. The novel traces doesn’t know is that there is more to Gilli’s A powerful, gripping story of an alien world, presence in Iceland. When Thorkell returns, and her story from childhood through her stormy mission to the islands than converting the in- based on exhaustive research into the customs falls in with the English bishop of Holar, John relationship with King Olaf the White of Dublin habitants to Christianity, and their friendship and culture of the old Inuit society. 312 pp William Crexton, he meets up with the bishop’s and, at the same time, paints a vivid picture of will ultimately cost them dearly. 271 pp • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize housekeeper, Ragnfridur, and her young son … this tumultuous period when battles were con- • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2009 192 pp Sold to: Germany (btb) Sold to: Chapters in English available Germany (btb)

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The imprints of Forlagid publish works by many of Iceland’s poets, such as POETRY

ARNI IBSEN | BJORN SIGURBJORNSSON | DIDDA | EINAR BRAGI | ELISABET

JOKULSDOTTIR | EIRIKUR ORN NORDDAHL | GYLFI GRONDAL | GYRDIR ELIASSON

HAUKUR INGVARSSON | HJORTUR PALSSON | ISAK HARDARSON GERDUR KRISTNY (b.1970) proved JOHANNES UR KOTLUM | JON HELGASON | JON UR VOR | JONAS HALLGRIMSSON herself as one of Iceland’s most interesting poets with her first book, and has since then published poems in papers JONAS THORBJARNARSON | KRISTIN EIRIKSDOTTIR | KRISTJAN THORDUR and magazines, in addition to her books of poetry. Translations available in several languages. HRAFNSSON | MATTHIAS JOHANNESSEN | PETUR GUNNARSSON | SIGTRYGGUR

ELI ASSON | SNORR I HJARTARSON | STEIN N STEINARR | THORU N N VALDIMARSDOT TIR TOMAS GUDMUNDSSON | VIGDIS GRIMSDOTTIR | VILBORG DAGBJARTSDOTTIR Bloodhoof Blóðhófnir, poetry, 2010 For further information please contact the foreign rights department. Bloodhoof is Gerdur Kristny’s third book of poetry. Like in her earlier works her topics are many and multifold and span

POETRY everything from the deepest emotion to playful observations about life and the living. The poet’s voice is often razorsharp and the imagery pointed. 120 pp EINAR MAR GUDMUNDSSON’S (b.1954) fame as an author has travelled the world wide and his novels have been translated into many languages – but in Iceland it was as a poet that Einar Mar had his first breakthrough. In 1980, he published his first two poetry books, Loneliness of the Delivery Boy and Who’s Wearing HANNES PETURSSON (b.1931) has long the Korona Line? which both attracted a lot of attention, been hailed as one of the greatest Icelandic poets of the due to the power of their imagery and the freshness of his 20th century. Since the publication of his first collection of approach and became bestsellers. He followed these up, poems in Kvaedabok in 1955, at the young age of 23, the one year later, with Robinson Crusoe Returns Home, which nation has welcomed his poetry with open arms. Few poets was equally well received, and in 1991 he published a can poeticize with the same craftsmanship and confidence, collection of poems under the title of A Rock in the Ocean both in traditional forms and freer verse. Petursson’s poetry which was nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award that is also renowned for the force of its peculiar imagery. year. In 1995 he published In the Eye of Chaos. He writes about human feelings in all its myriad of forms, Translations available in several languages. and not least poetry about nature and the history of Iceland, which have won him the affection of the nation. He has received many prizes for his writing, including the A Short Cut Round Death Icelandic Literary Prize in 1993. Translations available in several languages. Ég stytti mér leið framhjá dauðanum, poetry, 2006 Sold to: Denmark (Vindrose/Borgen) A Short Cut Round Death is Gudmundsson’s sixth collection of poems, in which the poet looks back to his origins in a powerful and candid way. 143 pp

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HAUKUR MAR HELGASON Anton Helgi Jonsson (b.1978) has written in addition to his fiction articles on (b. 1955) has gained attention and recognition for his poetry, politics and philosophy in Icelandic and foreign news- including the Jon from Vor Award for Poetical Achievement papers and magazines. He has also translated The Plague (Ljodstafur Jons ur Vor). Poems from a Family Reunion of Fantasies by Slavoj Žižek, which was nominated for is his fifth book of poetry. www.anton.is the DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award. Poems from a Family The Rain Sets Us Free Reunion Rigningin gerir ykkur frjáls, poetry, 2009 Ljóð af ættarmóti, poetry, 2010

In The Rain Sets Us Free Helgason takes stock of the In the poems of Anton Helgi Jonsson we hear the voices of “old Iceland” and engages in a provoking dialogue with the people gathered at a family reunion: celebrating old friend- “new” country and the world around it. This isn’t a perfect ships, exchanging gossip, sharing memories, lamenting days world, much of it is reminiscent of the thirteenth century gone by, confessing their sins and revealing the sins of and will be squashed when the oil runs out, something has others, scolding each other and themselves, finding fault to burn. Poems about politics, love, joy, anger and irritation with the government or struggling with guilty consciences. and the rain which washes away stories and sins and sets Here everyone can hear himself – you as well. 96 pp us free. 54 pp

INGIBJORG HARALDSDOTTIR LINDA VILHJALMSDOTTIR (b.1942) has for a long time now occupied a place of honour (b.1958) is a poet of deep and delicate emotions, as one of Iceland’s most distinguished poets, in addition to finely expressed in crafted verse. She was awarded the being an outstanding translator. Her poetry has a limpid DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award in 1993 for her book quality and is never cumbersome, and she frequently man- of poetry Ice Children (Klakabörnin). ages to create a bewitching atmosphere and to charm the Translations available in several languages. reader into viewing things he or she thought he knew in a fresh and unexpected light. Haraldsdottir has published poetry books and translated numerous novels and volumes of poetry. She has received many awards for her work, in- Frost Butterflies cluding, among others, the DV Newspaper’s Cultural Award Frostfiðrildi, poetry, 2006 in 1988 for her translation of The Idiot by Dostojevski. She also received the 2002 Icelandic Literary Award for her A collection of 30 poems, in which the poet senses the tan- book of poetry Wherever I May Be. Translations available gible closeness of her loved one, despite his distance, as he in several languages. climbs the glacial slopes, and the spirit of the one who waits

The Head of the Woman sold to: roams restlessly across the landscape, haunted by anxieties Spain (Libros del innombrable) that seem to insinuate themselves everywhere, even under her sheets. The book, with its broad sweep of melancholy, bears a clear relation to older poems of similar type. 36 pp

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SIGFUS DADASON (1928–1996) was one SIGURBJORG of Iceland’s leading poets in the latter half of the twentieth THRASTARDOTTIR (b. 1973) has a B.A. century. He started writing at a time of great fermentation degree in comparative literature at the University of Iceland in the Icelandic literary and art world and was exposed to as well as a degree in Journalism and Mass Communica- foreign contemporary influences at an early age. Nonetheless tion. She works as a journalist for Morgunbladid newspaper his poetryalways retained a very personal and original tone. alongside her work as a writer and poet. Dadason’s choice of material and his treatment of it clearly Translations available in several languages. sets him in a class of his own in the context of Icelandic poetry. Candlelight Vigils Blysfarir, poetry, 2007

Sold to: Candlelight Vigils treads that thin line between poetry and Germany (Blumenbar) a novel; the powerful verse moulds the tale of a poisoned JOHANN HJALMARSSON’S Swedish translation available relationship, white dragons on Icelandic summer nights, air (b. 1939) poems have appeared in numerous anthologies. From the beginning his poetry has been marked by surreal- tickets to hope, the beauty of grave yards and arms that try ism. Hjalmarsson’s latest books have been characterized by to connect as they’re bleeding. A text of unusual magnetic critics as modern and postmodern. His poems have diverse power. 147 pp roots in the old Icelandic Sagas, modern history and human • Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize life. Hjalmarsson’s book Hljodleikar was nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize 2003. His poems have been translated into thirty languages.

SIGURDUR PALSSON (b.1948) is one of Iceland’s greatest poets, prose writers and playwrights. His numerous awards include the Icelandic Literary Prize for his book Minnisbók (Notebook) in 2007. Poetry Energy Craving is Palsson’s fourteenth book of poetry. STEFAN HORDUR GRIMSSON Translations available in several languages. (1929–2002) was a leading representative of modernist poetry in Iceland. Grimsson’s poems are usually short and condensed, some of them reminiscent of aphorism, others are poetry in prose; his subjects include nature and love, and Poetry Energy Craving his capability of creating memorable images is exceptional. Ljóðorkuþörf, poetry, 2009 Translations available in several languages.

Poetry Energy Craving can be read as a poetic symphony in seven movements, each of which is made up of seven poems, although each piece stands as a separate poem in its own right. The book’s form therefore reflects one of its main preoccupations, the connection between the individual and society, and the need for every individual to have a healthy relationship with himself. 104 pp

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POETRY POETRY

THORARINN ELDJARN (b.1949) is one THORSTEINN FRA HAMRI (b.1938) of Iceland’s most admired authors and the recipient of many has long been established as one of the greatest poets in the awards. He has tackled every genre; he is one of Iceland’s Icelandic language. Ever since he published his first collec- most accomplished poets, has published countless children’s tion of poems in 1958, he has continued to shape and refine books, written novels, collections of short stories and scripts his style, and it is often said that he has been particularly and also worked as a translator. Translations available in successful at fusing old poetic traditions and contemporary several languages. devices into a modernist poetic language. Thorsteinn has also written several novels and stories, in addition to his translation work. He has received many awards for his writ- Lyrical Lust ing, including the Icelandic Literary Prize in 1992. Transla- tions available in several languages. Vísnafýsn, poetry, 2010 In Lyrical Lust Thorarinn Eldjarn composes with both Each Word Is an Event abandon and restraint about everything under the sun – ditties and verses about the various sides of existence, Hvert orð er atvik, poetry, 2008 not least the unexpected. Here are found wisdom and Each Word Is an Event is the title of the latest collection hearsay about whims and consciences, personalities and of poems to come from national poet Thorsteinn fra trivialities. An unusual volume that has an urgent message Hamri and is the eighteenth collection to be published. for an honest yet cringing nation. 83 pp Thorsteinn is a tireless, eloquent and poignant thinker, the poet who gives a voice to nature and history, the country and the life of its society. He writes poetry that strikes people in the heart, at times cruel and provoca- Bergur Ebbi Benediktsson tive, at others bitter-sweet and tender. Each Word Is An (b. 1981) is a lawyer and a well known member of the band Event is a book that carries the echoes of history and the Sprengjuhöllin where he plays the guitar and has written past, but also, at the same time, resonances of the con- many of the lyrics. This is his first book of poetry. temporary world in which there is a burning need for this craft, pure poetry, to be savoured and cherished. 56 pp The Time for Wit is Past Tími hnyttninnar er liðinn, poetry, 2010

The book of poetry The Time for Wit is Past conveys lessons for our time, messages that are at once optimistic, ingra- tiating, and lively – but entirely free of wit. The poems are meant to embrace us rather than throw us off balance, comfort us in place of provoke us, and call to mind what unites rather than what divides. 60 pp

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ARNALDUR INDRIDASON (b. 1961) has the rare distinction of having won the Nordic “European crime-writing at its best.”

Crime Novel Prize two years running. He is also the winner SYDSVENSKAN, SWEDEN of the highly respected and word famous CWA Gold Dagger Award for the top crime novel of the year in the English “An exciting discovery from the high north ... Indridason can now language, Silence of the Grave. Indridason’s novels have sold in more than five million copies worldwide. count himself among the best of Nordic crime writers.” WOCHENBLATT BADEN/PFALZ, GERMANY

Strange Shores Black Skies Furðustrandir, crime novel, 2010 Svörtuloft, crime novel, 2009

Erlendur is at his childhood home in the East a young woman disappeared in the same area A woman accused of blackmail is beaten to popular author for well over a decade. In his Fjords and the past comes to haunt him. Not and was never found. Her story arouses the death practically under the noses of the police. latest novel he picks up the thread from his pre- just events from his own life, but also other curiosity of Erlendur, who hungers for answers The assailant manages to get away, but vious books and once more reunites his readers unsolved cases, unsettled matters. Many de- to the riddles of his past, no matter how pain- everything seems to indicate that he is a debt with the familiar team of investigators at the cades ago sinister events occurred when a large ful they might be. Strange Shores is Arnaldur collector – hired by a respected member of Hverfisgata headquarters. Indridason’s books group of British soldiers became lost in a storm Indridason’s fourteenth novel, with Detective society. Meanwhile a well-known criminal has have been translated into many languages and in the mountains. Some made it with difficulty Erlendur Sveinsson taking the lead role as so been making repeated attempts to contact the topped bestseller lists both in Iceland and back to town, others did not. On the same night, often before. 304 pp police for reasons that are murky at best. abroad. 326 pp Arnaldur Indridason has been Iceland’s most Sold to: Sold to: The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Querido); The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Querido) Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions Métailié); Finland (Blue Moon)

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Outrage The King’s Book Myrká, crime novel, 2008 Konungsbók, crime novel, 2006

In a flat near the city centre, a young man lies Sold to: 1955. A young Icelander travels to Denmark for uncertain journey across Europe in a quest dead in a pool of blood although there are no Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); his studies and tracks down a fellow country- to recover this invaluable vellum manuscript; The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Querido); signs of a break-in or any struggle. A purple France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions man and downtrodden old professor, who har- a treasure that some people are willing to die woman’s shawl, found under the bed, gives off Métailié); Norway (Cappelen); UK/Australia/New bours a terrible secret: during the turmoil of the and kill for. This is an unusual and extremely Zealand/South-Africa (Random House/Harvill Secker); war years, he lost sight of a unique and priceless exciting story about what can be sacrificed – a strong and unusual aroma. A vial of narcotics USA/Philippines (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne found in the victim’s pocket among other clues Books); Finland (Blue Moon); Norway (Cappelen); manuscript, which he had been entrusted with, and what must be sacrificed – for the greatest soon lead Erlendur’s colleagues down a trail of Sweden (Norstedts / Prisma); Italy (Ugo Guanda) the Codex Regius itself, the Poetic Edda – the jewel of the ages. 363 pp age old relic of the Icelandic nation. Together, hidden violence and psychological brutality. Sold to: And of wrongs that will never be fully righted. the professor and his disciple embark on an Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg 294 pp (Querido); The Czech Republic (MOBA) Hypothermia Harðskafi, crime novel, 2007 Arctic Chill On a cold autumn night in Thingvellir, a woman • Shortlisted for the CWA International Dagger 2010 Vetrarborgin, crime novel, 2005 • One of the best crime novels of 2009 in UK, is found dead in her summer house. She had been selected by Sunday Times troubled for a while and the noose was her way • One of the most notable crime novels of 2009 The body of a dead child is found in the gardens • Reviewed as the best crime novel of 2009 out of despair. When Erlendur receives a recording in USA, selected by The New York Times of a Reykjavik apartment block on a cold January in The Times of a séance that the woman attended just before • Shortlisted for the CWA International day; a young dark-skinned boy, lies face-down in • Nomination for the Glass Key – her death, he is driven to dig up her story and find Dagger 2009 his own blood, frozen to the ice. When the police The Nordic crime Novel Award 2008 • Nomination for the Swedish out why her life ended in such a sudden and sad arrive on the scene, they suspect a horrific crime. • The Drop of Blood – Martin Beck Award 2007 Erlendur, Elinborg and Sigurdur Oli start their The Icelandic Crime Novel Award 2008 way. At the same time he is haunted by unsolved • Shortlisted for the Icelandic Booksellers’ riddles of disappeared people and his own past. Sold to: investigation and, through the darkness and the UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa Literary Award 2007 Erlendur Sveinsson is one of the most loved blizzards, gradually uncover facts that turn out to (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA/ Sold to: fictional characters of contemporary Icelandic Philippines (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne be chillier than an Arctic winter night. 333 pp UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa literature, the eccentric cop with the brisk exterior Books); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA/Philippines (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Sweden (Norstedts/ and warm heart has charmed readers both in (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books); Prisma); The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Iceland and abroad for several years. 295 pp (Querido); Finland (Blue Moon); Czech Republic Lübbe); The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (MOBA); France/Switzerland /Luxembourg/ (Querido); Sweden (Norstedts/Prisma); France/ Canada (Éditions Métailié); Italy (Ugo Guanda); Switzerland /Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions Norway (Cappelen); Spain/Andorra/South and Métailié); Finland (Blue Moon); Denmark Central America/USA (RBA Libros); Catalonia (Rosinante); Norway (Cappelen); The Czech (La Magrana); Russia (Corpus) Republic (MOBA); Italy (Ugo Guanda); Korea (Munhakdogne); Russia (Corpus)

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“The Draining Lake is a beautiful, sad, haunting tale of lost love and lost illusions, regret and betrayal.”

THE TIMES

• Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2004 • Le Prix du Polar européen du POINT, Voices France, 2008 The Draining Lake Röddin, crime novel, 2002 • The Barry Award, USA, for Best Novel Kleifarvatn, crime novel, 2004 • The Martin Beck Award 2005, Sweden of the year 2009 The Christmas rush is at its peak in a big Reykja- Nominated in The Netherlands 2005 as: • Nominated for the Macavity Award The water level of a lake drops in the wake of an vik hotel, packed with foreign guests, when • one of the 8 best best crime novels by crimezone.nl by Mystery Readers International 2009 earthquake, revealing the hidden skeleton of a the police are called in to investigate a murder: • one of the 10 best crime novels by De Volkskrant man in the sand below. Attached to it is a com- • one of the 100 best books of the year a member of the staff, a middleaged man, has Sold to: munication device with Russian inscriptions. The by BOEK Magazine been stabbed to death, and found dressed in a UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa police are called in and Erlendur, Elinborg and Santa outfit with his trousers around his ankles. (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA/ Philippines (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Sigurdur Oli begin their investigation, which takes The police, Erlendur, Elinborg and Sigurdur Oli, Dunne Books); Germany/Switzerland/Austria them back several decades, unearthing shattered have a complex case on their hands, and initially (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); The Netherlands/ Belgium/Luxembourg (Signature); Sweden dreams, and hot passions dampened by the Cold seem to have few clues to lead them to the mur- (Norstedts/Prisma); Czech Republic (MOBA); War. 349 pp derer. But delving into the victim’s adventurous France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada and sad childhood, Erlendur and his colleagues (Éditions Métailié); Finland (Blue Moon); Denmark (Rosinante); Norway (Cappelen); begin to unravel some promising leads. A terribly Italy (Ugo Guanda); Spain/Andorra/South and exciting story about the oddness of human fate, Central America/USA (RBA Libros); Catalonia (La Magrana); Brazil (Companhia das Letras); solitude and loss in the broadest sense of those Portugal (Porto Editores); Hungary (Animus); terms. 330 pp Turkey (Dogan); Russia (Corpus) Betty Bettý, crime novel, 2003 Sold to: “I made mistakes. I fell into one trap after another. UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA/Philippines “... A particularly gripping, exciting Sometimes willingly. Deep inside I knew they (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); and ingenious story about a femme fatale ... The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Signature); Finland (Blue Moon); Denmark (Forum); The first models to spring to mind might be were there and knew they were dangerous, but I Sweden (Norstedts/Prisma); Norway (Cappelen); Czech Republic (MOBA); France/Switzerland/ The Postman Always Rings Twice didn’t know everything. Sometimes I tell myself Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions Métailié); Italy (Ugo Guanda); Spain/Andorra/South and Central America/ USA (RBA Libros); Russia (Corpus); Catalonia (La Magrana); Brazil (Companhia das Letras); or Double Indemnity, I’d let myself fall into them again, if I only could.” Portugal (Porto Editores); Turkey (Dogan); Romania (Trei); Japan (Tokyo Sogensha Co); by James M. Cain, both of which were A young lawyer sits in custody and recalls a fateful Lebanon (Arab Scientific Publishers); Poland (WAB); Korea (Younglim Cardinal) adapted into great movies.” encounter with Betty, who appeared one day in a FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER tight dress and a golden chain on her ankle. And when she smiled … 215 pp Sold to: Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (MOBA)

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“A chilling read.” “Jar City keeps the reader captivated from the first page.”

THE TIMES DV NEWSPAPER

Silence of the Grave • The Glass Key 2002, the Nordic Crime Novel Award Jar City Grafarþögn, crime novel, 2001 • Nomination for the DV Cultural Award Mýrin, crime novel, 2000 • The CWA Gold Dagger Award 2005, UK, • Nomination for the Swedish Martin Beck Award 2003 for the top crime novel of the year in the A skeleton is unearthed on a building site in • The Swedish Caliber Award 2003, as An elderly man is found dead in his basement English language Reykjavik; clearly someone was buried here The Best Crime Novel of the Year flat. The murderer has left a note which the police • The Glass Key 2003, several decades ago. The familiar cast of Erlendur • Nominated as the best crime novel of 2003 detectives Erlendur and Sigurdur Oli (known The Nordic Crime Novel Award in The Netherlands by crimezone.nl and his detective colleagues, well known to from other books by the author) have to find out • Prix Fiction 2006 du Livre insulaire de Ouessant • Selected as one of the best thrillers of 2004 readers of Indridason’s previous novels, try to the meaning of. Getting at the truth leads the • Shortlisted for the Icelandic Booksellers’ Literary in New Zealand, by The New Zealand Herald Award 2001 discover what happened, seeking out people who • Nomination for the International IMPAC Dublin detectives to truly horrifying secrets from the • Nomination for the Swedish lived in the area decades before. Various un- Literary Award 2006 past. A brilliantly plotted crime novel with Martin Beck Award 2004 pleasant truths surface, and the story behind • Final selection of Grand Prix des Lectrices convincing character portrayal and interesting • Nominated as the best crime novel of 2004 the skeleton turns out to be both complex and de Elle 2005 side-plots. 280 pp in The Netherlands by crimezone.nl • The Black Heart Award (Le Prix du Coeur Noir) horrifying. This recklessly exciting story is both • One of 10 Top Crime Books Of The Year 2005 in Festival du Polar de Saint Quentin, France, 2006 powerful and realistic; a story that will keep the by CrimeSquad.com, UK • Awarded the French Le Prix Mystère de la Critique • Grand Prix des Lectrice de Elle 2007 reader’s pulse pounding. 295 pp 2006 • One of 10 most noteworthy crime novels in USA 2005, nominated by Kansas City Star • Nominated for the Gumshoe Awards 2006, as one of the five best European crime novels published in USA

Sold to: UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA/Philippines Sold to: (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); UK/Australia/New Zealand/South-Africa (Random House/Harvill Secker); USA /Philippines The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Signature); Finland (Blue Moon); Denmark (Forum); (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books); Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Sweden (Norstedts/Prisma); Norway (Cappelen); Czech Republic (MOBA); Hungary (Animus); The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg (Querido); France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada Italy (Longanesi/Ugo Guanda); France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions Métailié); (Éditions Métailié); Italy (Longanesi/Ugo Guanda); Spain/Andorra/South and Central America/USA Turkey (Sinemis Yayanlari); China (People´s Literature Publishing House); Korea (Younglim Cardinal Inc.); (RBA Libros); Brazil (Editora Record); Portugal (Livraria Civilizaçao Editora); Finland (Blue Moon); Taiwan (Crown); Spain/Andorra/South and Central America/USA (RBA Libros); Poland (WAB); Denmark (Rosinante); Sweden (Norstedts/Prisma); Norway (Cappelen); Faroe Islands (Sprotin); Russia (Corpus); Catalonia (La Magrana); Brazil (Companhia das Letras); Portugal (Porto Editores); Bulgaria (Infodar); Croatia (Edicije Bozicevic); Czech Republic (MOBA); Hungary (Animus); Basque Country (Alberdania); Romania (Trei); Japan (Tokyo Sogensha Co); Poland (WAB); Rumenia (Trei); Slovenia (Didakta); Israel (Keter); Greece/Cyprus (Livanis Publishing); Lebanon (Arab Scientific Publishers); Vietnam (AlphaBooks) Turkey (Sinemis Yayınları); Estonia (Nynorden); Japan (Tokyo Sogensha Co); China/Hong Kong/Singapure (People’s Literature Publishing House); Taiwan (Crown); Korea (Younglim Cardinal Inc.); Russia (Corpus); Film rights sold to: Blueeyes Production Lebanon (Arab Scientific Publishers); Thailand (Pearl Publishing); Latvia (Apgards Mansards); Lithuania (Baltos Lankos); Vietnam (AlphaBooks)

A motion picture based on the novel has won prizes at several international film festivals. Producer: Blueeyes Productions

· 82 · · 83 · CRIME FICTION CRIME FICTION ARNALDUR INDRIDASON ARNI THORARINSSON

Operation Napoleon ARNI THORARINSSON (b.1950) is a Napóleonsskjölin, crime novel, 1999 nationally renowned award-winning journalist and a media

The wreckage of a WWII-era airplane surfaces personality, besides being the author of several gripping Sold to: from under the ice on Vatnajokull glacier, and the crime novels. Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (MOBA); UK/Australia/ American naval forces at Midnesheidi moor are New Zealand/South-Africa (Random House/ put on the alert. When Kristin, an attorney with Harvill Secker); USA /Philippines (St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books) the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, begins to investigate, she ends up on the run in a bone-chilling Film rights sold to: attempt to save her own life. A fast-paced thriller Pegasus Pictures English synopsis available against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of wintertime Iceland. 278 pp “Angel of the Morning is a crime masterpiece. Arni Thorarinsson’s best book. Courageous and true.” Silent Kill Morgunbladid newspaper Dauðarósir, crime novel, 1998 “Exciting, revealing and revolting, with a surprising twist in its tail.” The body of a young girl is found on the grave of Katrin Jakobsdottir, Minister of Education and Culture Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria the leader of Iceland’s 19th century independence (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (MOBA); movement. Investigations reveal that her death is The Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg linked to a larger case responsible for the greatest (Querido) migrations in Icelandic history, still ongoing. Angel of the Morning 255 pp Morgunengill, crime novel, 2010

They may not seem to have much in common, Seldom has he come across a crime this complex. Sons of Earth the North Iceland postman with hardly a penny Nothing is what it used to be. Except that one Synir duftsins, crime novel, 1997 to her name and the capitalist in Reykjavík man’s meat is still another man’s poison. Angel of carrying billions in debt in his briefcase. How- the Morning is a crime novel set in contemporary The story opens with the suicide of Daniel, a 40- ever, fate tangles their paths together when the Iceland, compelling and disturbing in its portrayal Sold to: year-old patient in a Reykjavik mental hospital. journalist Einar searches for justice no less of lost innocence, the need for atonement, and Germany/SwitzerlandAustria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); The Netherlands/ Simultaneously an elderly teacher – a man who than a front-page scoop. acceptance of one’s origin. 300 pp Belgium/Luxembourg (Signature) had only recently begun visiting him at the English synopsis available together with Chapters in English available Reader’s Report hospital – burns himself to death. When Daniel’s brother tries to find out what connected them, he begins to his horror to find evidence of a childhood drug testing programme which went wildly wrong. 294 pp

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Death of a Clown “A compelling crime novel “...supple and quick... which fans of the genre should not miss Dauði trúðsins, crime novel, 2007 under any circumstances.” A sharp discourse on human interaction and society as a whole.” Are ghosts afoot during bright summer nights in DV NEWSPAPER Morgunbladid newspaper Akureyri? When things are slow anything goes with reporter Einar. A summer festival is starting “A future Stieg Larsson?” up and thousands of guests head for the capital “...supple and quick... A sharp discourse on human BIBLIOSURF.COM of North-Iceland to party. At the same time a interaction and society as a whole.” rumour is going around that Hollywood stars have

Morgunbladid newspaper arrived in town to film an erotic thriller. Before Einar and the Chief Constable know, assignments Sold to: France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada are piling up. Who was the young girl found dead (Éditions Métailié); Germany/Switzerland/ in the old house? Who is the mysterious woman Austria (Droemer-Knaur); Spain/South America on the phone claiming to be clairvoyant? What (Ediciones ámbar) is reality and what is illusion? A potent mixture The Seventh Son of brilliant wit and deep seriousness drives this thrilling novel about the dangers lurking Sjöundi sonurinn, crime novel, in human relations. 391 pp 2008 “Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett Anticipation is hardly the word to describe the a popular soccer player and his mate, disappear or Ross Macdonald: The Einar-Series mood of Einar, a reporter for the Evening News, without a trace. When the mobile caravan is found is a modern Icelandic version of the Season of the Witch hard-boiled American classic.” sent off to the remote West Fjords in midwinter outside of town, also gutted by fire and a grisly DPA, GERMANY Tími nornarinnar, crime novel, 2006 to write about the local fishing industry. Before sight, Einar is up to his neck in a frightening Einar has given up his old hunting ground of long, however, Einar’s nose for news begins to sequence of events. This contemporary story of “Full of humour, vivacity and suspense.” twitch. After an old house in the centre of town revenge, greed and alienation pulls no punches. LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR chronicling crime life in the capital, and moved burns down, suspicions of arson arise. While Leading us, in the closing chapters, to one basic to the small town of Akureyri, where he’s expected interviewing the building’s owners, Einar only question that begs for an answer: What does it • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2005 to boost the circulation of the Evening Press. But just avoids being run over by a mobile caravan mean to be a victim? 376 pp on his way to a theatre rehearsal, Einar finds himself covering a hotter piece of news: a local woman driving by at top speed. Two other guests in town, Sold to: Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Droemer has fallen to her death in an obscure river accident France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada Knaur); Denmark (Bazar); Finland (Bazar); (Éditions Métailié) on a company outing. This is the first – but not Norway (Bazar); France/Switzerland/ Luxembourg/Canada (Éditions Métalié); the last – death to occur in the sinister course of The Netherlands (De Geus); Czech Republic events that unfold in this new adventure of the (Argo); Poland (Cat Books); Greece (Polis); reporter Einar. Spain/South America (Ediciones ámbar); Sweden (Bazar) Arni Thorarinsson intertwines historical heritage

Film rights sold to: with his sensitive perceptions of Icelandic society, Fridrik Thor Fridriksson/Spellbound weaving an intricate narrative in which each Productions riddle triggers off the next. 384 pp Italian and Swedish translations available

· 86 · · 87 · CRIME FICTION CRIME FICTION ARNI THORARINSSON Pall Kristinn Palsson

Blue Moon The White Rabbit PALL KRISTINN PALSSON (b.1956) Blátt tungl, crime novel, 2001 Hvíta kanínan, crime novel, 2000 has worked as a journalist, editor and producer of documen-

Einar is going to his parent’s house with his Einar, a journalist, is forced to go on a vacation taries. He is the author of several novels, short stories and daughter for a traditional Christmas meal, in Spain with his daughter. Soon terrible things film scripts, as well as two crime novels written in collabora- when the radio reports a case of a missing start to happen, but these are only the beginning tion with Arni Thorarinsson. person, an old girlfriend of his, and he feels of a horrifying and gripping course of events compelled to find out more. Thus opens a fast- where nothing and nobody is what they seem paced, exciting sequence of events in which to be. 224 pp Einar tackles old and new adversaries, including The Passenger himself. Before the dust settles he has to draw “Thorarinson is a leading crime author Farþeginn, crime novel, 2006 on all his resources so as not to lose both his of today … I do not hesitate to say that it is the best Icelandic novel to be published ... reputation and his mind. Blue Moon is a crime When taxi driver Sigurdsson picks up company I wouldn’t be surprised if it was story from the depth of the Icelandic winter, successful abroad with foreign readers ...” director Hjalmarsson in the centre of Reykjavik in which mysterious elements of the human “Excellent crime novel.” on an ice-cold New Year’s day, a bizarre journey STRIK.IS psyche and familiar features of everyday life MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER begins. What initially appears to be a coincidental are intertwined in a complex but tightly encounter and lighthearted journey soon turns woven plot. 236 pp out to be a bitter reckoning with the past and the present. The Passenger is an unusual and well- paced thriller. 238 pp

“The excellent psychological analysis of Einar’s mental problems is the best bit in Thorarinsson’s colourful and witty crime story. He uses deep psychological And God Created intuition to lay bare Einar’s tortured soul, while at the same time presenting us with a vivid picture of Iceland today ...” Murder

FYENS STIFTSTIDENDE “A crime novel that grabs and Í upphafi var morðið, holds your attention.” crime novel, 2002 The Night Has a Thousand Eyes KASTLJOS, NATIONAL TV Kristrun is a young filmmaker working on a documentary called “A Year in the Life of a Glacier” Nóttin hefur þúsund augu, crime novel, 1999 “A distinguished psychological when her mother is found dead by apparent suicide in their home. Police investigators, how- A murder is reported at the Airport Hotel and this grisly crime. Einar is told to pursue the case thriller.” ever, show that the mother was murdered. Before journalist Einar is hauled out of bed with a further and he sets off. But he would have been DV NEWSPAPER she realises, Kristrun has started investigating thundering hangover to get the scoop. By chance better off to leave the case alone. A story that the case herself and hurles into a course of events he overhears some things his colleagues do not captures the reader right up to the final page. that will soon shatter old certainties regarding know and finds himself the nation’s source on 202 pp Film rights sold to: her life. 268 pp Sagafilm Sold to: Denmark (Modtryk); Germany/ Switzerland/Austria (Butler und Kawohl) English excerpt available

· 88 · · 89 · CRIME FICTION CRIME FICTION S T E F A N M A N I S tella B lomkvist

STEFAN MANI (b.1970) has already acquired STELL A BLOMK VIST a solid fan base of readers with books such as Black Curse, No one knows who the mysterious Stella Blomkvist really is. The Ship and Memento Mori, which were acclaimed for their The only information given is that Stella writes under suspense and power. The Ship received The Icelandic Crime a pseudonym. Novel Award 2007 and was nominated for the Glass Key, The Nordic Crime Novel Award 2007. French literary ? magazine Lire named The Ship the best crime novel to Murder in Rockville appear in France in 2010. Morðið í Rockville, crime novel, 2006

Literary agent: The American army is closing down its military Andrew Nurnberg Associates “Everything e-mail: [email protected] is as one might expect; camp at Midnesheidi Heath after 60 years, leaving a ghost town behind them. The body of a man is

the story is exciting, discovered inside one of the houses and turns out Abyss The Ship and Stella as cool as ever.” to be a former employee of the army’s. An Icelandic tycoon is suspected of the murder and turns to Hyldýpi, crime novel, 2009 Skipið, crime novel, 2006 DV NEWSPAPER Stella Blomkvist for help. 230 pp In Abyss Stefan Mani once more displays his The Ship is a crazy roller-coaster ride, a truly unique style and insights and the setting for magnificent piece of magical narrative, which his story is just as chilling as ever. 265 pp entangles the reader in a tightly woven net of pre- Murder in the Supreme Court Murder in the Drowning Pool monitions, magic and adventure, drawing one Morðið í Hæstarétti, crime novel, 2001 Morðið í Drekkingarhyl, crime novel, 2005 into a reality from which there seems to be no An actress is found murdered in the office of a One day in late summer, German tourists find a escape. 432 pp Memento Mori Supreme Court judge. Security camera recordings corpse in the Drowning Pool in Oxara river. The Ódáðahraun, crime novel, 2008 Sold to: show the judge and the actress entering the build- body proves to be that of a young Kurdish girl. Her France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada (Gallimard); Germany/Switzerland/Austria ing shortly before the murder, but the judge claims Middle Eastern descent immediately gives rise to A hard-hitting thriller that keeps the reader (Ullstein); Sweden (Bonnier); Denmark (Gyldendal); The Czech Republic (Motto); to have been far away at that time. 254 pp the suspicion that the murder is a crime of honour. enthralled from beginning to end. 296 pp Poland (WAB); Italy (Marco Tropea); 278 pp Australia/New Zealand (Pier 9) Sold to: Film rights sold to: Zik Zak Filmworks Denmark (Gyldendal) Murder on Television Morðið í sjónvarpinu, crime novel, 2000 Murder in Parliament Morðið í Alþingishúsinu, crime novel, 2002 Black Curse A famous producer is murdered on a live broad- Svartur á leik, crime novel, 2004 cast. Seeking refuge, the suspect seeks the help of A reporter falls off the balcony of the House of a tough minded attorney, Stella Blomkvist. 207 pp Parliament during a live broadcast. A xenophobe By an unexpected twist of fatea young man gets is accused and Stella is hired to defend him. Re- sucked into an incredible, breathtaking course Sold to: search into the case sends her on a trail that leads of events, partly based on recent Icelandic crime Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Random House/ btb); straight into Reykjavik’s underworld. 233 pp history. 548 pp Czech Republic (MOBA) Sold to: Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Canada (Gallimard) (Random House/ btb); Filmrights sold to: Czech Republic (MOBA) ZikZak · 90 · · 91 · CRIME FICTION CRIME FICTION VIKTOR A. INGOLFSSON

Daybreak VIKTOR A. INGOLFSSON (b.1955) “A tremendous crime novel.” is one of Iceland’s most accomplished crime fiction authors. Afturelding, crime novel, 2005 FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER Ingolfsson’s novel, No Trace, was nominated for the It is autumn, and hunters make for the countryside Glass Key – the Nordic Crime Novel Award in 2001 and “Really entertaining.” in search of geese. But one hunter isn’t seeking geese – he’s after humans. The hunters fall one by The Flatey Enigma was nominated for the same prize LAUSITZER RUNDSCHAU, GERMANY in 2004 – a bestseller for weeks in Germany as well as one, day after day, at the hands of an unknown and unpredictable killer, able to appear anywhere in Daybreak, published in 2005. Sold to: the country and who seems to be especially eager to Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (Moba) target those who try to solve the mystery. But Film rights sold to: policemen Gunnar and Birkir decide to go hunting “Viktor Arnar has an unquestionable knack for writing Reykjavik Films for the popular Icelandic Man Hunt television series for geese when there’s no one left who dares … 285 pp. historical or cultural crime fiction.” Chapters in English available

DV NEWSPAPER

“… an Icelandic revelation, wonderful and vivid. The Flatey Enigma … Iceland, that little island in the North Atlantic has yielded some great authors, “… A marvelous book Flateyjargáta, crime novel, 2002 hitherto unknown in this country. Ingolfsson is one of them. His Flatey Enigma that completely fulfills the doesn’t only give us excitement, but also a deep insight into the Icelandic soul.” In the spring of 1960 three men accidentally dis-

NDR, GERMANY reader´s expectations.” cover a decaying body on a deserted island, later WWW.KRIMI-COUCH.DE identified as the body of a Danish codicologist Sunna’s Candlesticks who had been missing for several months. An • Nomination for The Glass Key, investigation ensues and the case is mysteriously Sólstjakar, crime novel, 2009 The Nordic Crime Novel Award 2004 linked to the contents of a medieval manuscript known as the Book of Flatey. Before long another Seated in the office of the Icelandic embassy the confined scene of the crime and the very Sold to: body is found in Flatey, but this time an eagle has in Berlin is a dubious tycoon. His entrails are few actors involved, the case turns out to be Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (Moba); Italy (Iperborea) been carved into the victim’s back in blood, in protruding and a razor sharp hunting knife has quite complex and rooted in the distant past. the ancient Viking tradition. 284 pp been planted in his stomach. He’s dead. On the The Icelandic police team urgently need to dig Film rights sold to: Reykjavik Films previous evening he had been the guest of the up everything they can to prevent others from Danish translation available ambassador along with six other Icelandic men meeting the dead man’s fate. Chapters in English available and the ambassador’s wife. Who wanted this This is the same team that solved the riddle of No Tracks man out of the way? And how did the knife slip Ingolfsson’s Daybreak, which formed the basis Engin spor, crime novel, 1998 through the Nordic Embassies’ building tight for the popular Icelandic Man Hunt television security? series. 286 pp It is early in the year 1973 and a man has been found Birkir Li Hinriksson, Gunnar Mariuson and • Nomination for The Glass Key, The Nordic dead in a distinguished old house in Reykjavik. Sold to: Crime Novel Award 2001 The cause of death is a fatal shot wound to the chest. Anna Thordardottir are dispatched to Berlin Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); The police investigation reveals that the man’s to start the murder investigation. But despite Sold to: Czech Republic (MOBA) Germany/Switzerland/Austria father was shot to death in the same living room in (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe); Czech Republic (Moba) 1945, a crime which was never solved. 264 pp

· 92 · · 93 · CURRENT AFFAIRS NARRATIVE NON FICTION BIOGRAPHY non-fiction MEMOIRS SOCIAL STUDIES HISTORY COOKERY BOOKS ON ICELAND CURRENT AFFAIRS CURRENT AFFAIRS

“The focus of Arnarson’s book (and it’s strength) “Such an accurate piece of writing … We can be thankful is his approach to link together and explain the crash and that the right man was in the right place at the right time.” it’s underlying political and systemic causes.” FRETTABLADID NEWSPAPER MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER

GUDNI TH. JOHANNESSON OLAFUR ARNARSON The Collapse: The Iceland Iceland on the brink of bankruptcy and disintegration Meltdown

Lehman Brothers’ demise in September 2008 The first comprehensive overview of the sent shockwaves around the world. Trust, the meltdown of the Icelandic economy and its glue of financial markets, evaporated and what aftermath – spanning from the moment when had started out as a credit crisis turned into a the first stormy clouds of the credit crunch worldwide economic recession. The first true gathered on the horizon to the fall of the casualty of this was the Icelandic banking Icelandic government. system, which promptly collapsed, leaving the An engrossing behind-the-scenes account country isolated in the world of international based on a great wealth of sources. Inter- PAPERBACK finance and diplomacy. weaving previously unpublished emails, JUNE 2009 The Iceland Meltdown is a riveting, thriller- 189 pp PAPERBACK phone calls and memos with great craftsman- Rights available like read, without technical jargon, intended JUNE 2009 ship, the author paints a stirring and utterly 428 pp for people with no background in banking or Rights available persuasive picture of these incredible current finance, as well as those who know their way events. about international finance, which describes in This book is the subject of a documentary to plain language what really happened in Iceland. be broadcast on Icelandic State Television in the autumn of 2009.

OL A F UR A R NA R SON has a MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School GUDN I TH. JOH A N N ESSON has a doctorate in History from Queen of Management. He has held the posts of Secretary General of the Parliamen- Mary, University of London and is a professor of History at the University of tary Group of the Independence Party in Iceland, senior political advisor to Iceland. He is the author of numerous books and articles on contemporary the Minister for Culture and Education and has also worked as an investment history and issues, published both in Iceland and abroad. banker for Dresdner-Kleinwort-Benson and Lehman Brothers. Since 2003 Arnarson runs an investment consultancy.

· 96 · · 97 · CURRENT AFFAIRS CURRENT AFFAIRS

ANDRI SNAER MAGNASON

“This book had an enormous impact Dreamland: Self-Help for a Frightened Nation in Iceland when it came out.

After Icelandic politicians had sold Icelandic nature cheap Dreamland is a wake-up call, a devastating to some of the industrial giants of this world polemic that puts environmental issues into without the people’s consent, global perspective. the Icelandic people were upset. Dreamland is an influential book about the We didn’t get a chance to defend ourselves. most burning issues of our times, written with

Or our nature. PAPERBACK knowledge and a rare passion that will move 2006 any reader. I have a feeling this is a universal problem 304 pp English translation available that our generation will find solutions to. Sold to: England (Citizen Press) Dreamland immediately became a best seller This book is one of these solutions.” Japan (NKH Publishing) on publication in Iceland and has already at- Denmark (Tiderne Seifter) BJÖRK Sweden (Natur och Kultur) tracted worldwide attention due to its radical Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Orange Press) style, in the vein of Naomi Klein, Malcolm Gladwell and Jared Diamond, as well as critical acclaim form the Icelandic media. Revised edition with an introduction by Björk and a new chapter on the bank crisis in Iceland. Dreamland has been made into a movie.

• The Iceland Literary Award A NDR I SNA ER M AGNA SON (b.1973) has won the Icelandic Literary Prize • The Icelandic Bookseller Prize for both fiction and non fiction. His work has been published or performed • The Kairos Prize – a European cultural prize in over twenty countries and received numerous international awards, amongst awarded by the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung them the Janusz Korczak Honorary Award, the West Nordic Children’s Book Prize and, more recently, the Kairos Prize awarded by the Alfred Toepfer Foundation to outstanding individuals. Magnason has been active in the fight against the destruction of the Icelandic Highlands. www.andrimagnason.com

· 98 · · 99 · N ARRATIVE NON FICTION N ARRATIVE NON FICTION

“This is the story of a woman who, at one time, was one of America’s A journey that unravels the peculiar ideological world most effective impostors: a person who enthralled great numbers of people of Nazi Germany and sheds a light on its plans with her fabrications. ... a multilayered text that gradually builds to gain power in Iceland. a cogent picture of the life experience of an unusual woman and the society in which she lived and functioned.”

MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER

THOR WHITEHEAD INGA DORA BJORNSDOTTIR Himmler’s Olof the Eskimo Icelandic Adventure Lady A Biography of an Icelandic This book, of unquestionable historical merit, Dwarf in America reads like a thriller and provides a unique account of some of the bizarre ideas Heinrich A dwarf girl, Olof Solvadottir, was born in Ice- Himmler and a few of his kindred spirits land in 1858. She moved to the Western World entertained about Iceland and its inhabitants. at the age of 19, following the tracks of an Himmler looked on Iceland as a sacred land American travelling circus, but then trans- which preserved the remnants of the noble and formed herself into an Inuit Eskimo and started ancient high culture of the Norse, the origins of to deliver lectures about Greenland and her life the Germanic race. At the same time he intend- there. As an Eskimo, Olof acquired fame and ed to annex Iceland into the Nazi’s “Thousand recognition with her concocted biography, Year Reich” and planned to boost trade between HARDBACK travelled widely across America, and managed HARDBACK the two countries and promoting large scale 2004 1998 to con the world for more than two decades industry in Iceland. 275 pp 221 pp English translation available and deliver some 2.500 lectures without raising Rights availbale Sold to: The book contains a vast USA (University of Mitchigan Press) any suspicions. collection of photographs. English translation available • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2004

THOR W HI T EHE A D is a professor of history at the University of Iceland INGA DOR A B JOR NSDOT T IR studied anthropology at Lund University specializing in political and military history. He has written extensively in Sweden and at New York University before earning her doctoral degree from on Icelandic foreign relations and security during the 1930’s and the Second the University of California at Santa Barbara. She has taught anthropology at World War as well as publishing some works on the Cold War era and the the University of California, as well as at the University of Iceland. Dr. Bjorns- history of the Communist movement in Iceland. dottir is the author of several biographies, as well as the co-author of books and documentaries.

· 100 · · 101 · N ARRATIVE NON FICTION N ARRATIVE NON FICTION

“This book is informative and entertaining – a genuinely good “Hope Street is a well delimited novel, short and pacey... read. It sheds new light on our man Vilhjalmur Stefansson, the narrator manages to draw countless contemporary parallels … and for that reason alone it is well worth owning.” It offers a broad historical perspective ... written with empathy ...”

MORGUNBLADID NEWSPAPER ICELANDIC STATE RADIO

GISLI PALSSON ARMANN JAKOBSSON

Traveling Passions Hope Street

The Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson was In early 1908, Skuli and Theodora Thoroddsen a famous explorer who led three expeditions travelled to Copenhagen to participate in to the Arctic, an anthropologist, and a popular negotiations about Iceland’s future within the lecturer, who was widely renowned for his kingdom of Denmark. In the space of a few writings. G. Palsson, a professor in Anthropol- months everything changed: Icelanders staged ogy, has written Stefansson’s biography from a silent uprising and were now bent on inde- a new angle. He focuses on specific aspects of pendence. Skuli became a national hero but the Stefansson’s life and work: the contents of his shadow of death hovered over his family at travelling journals, the silence surrounding his 12 Vonarstraeti, Hope Street. Inuit family, the women in his life, his links Hope Street is a historical novel about great

HARDBACK with Iceland, and the tug of war between his HARDBACK ideals, human frailty and one of the few up- 2003 private life and the theories Stefansson came 2008 risings ever to have taken place in Iceland. 416 pp 192 pp English translation available to be renowned for. Chapters in Danish available Sold to: Rights available Canada (University of Manitoba Press)

GISL I PA L SSON (Ph.D., University of Manchester, 1982) is Chair and A R M A N N JA KOBSSON has written articles about social and cultural Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iceland. His most recent book issues in newspapers and magazines for decades, as well as in-depth pieces is Anthropology and the New Genetics (2007). Currently, Palsson’s research on Icelandic literature and a book on Tolkien and the Ring in 2003. This focuses on the social implications of biotechnology, genetic history, environ- spring he published a collection of poems entitled News from my land. mental change, and Arctic exploration. Hope Street is his first novel.

· 102 · · 103 · B IOGRAPHY B IOGRAPHY

“... a great, magnificent, and remarkable book.”

EGILL’ S SILVER, NATIONAL TV “A deserving memorial to an unusual and difficult artist.”

FRETTABLADID

PRESSAN.IS

ARNI HEIMIR INGOLFSSON PALL VALSSON

Jon Leifs Vigdis – The Woman Who Became President Jon Leifs (1899–1968) was one of the most

significant and unusual Icelandic artists of Vigdis – The Woman Who Became President the twentieth century. recounts the story of this woman who not only In the middle of World War I, he sailed to charmed her own countrymen as president, Germany, determined to dedicate himself to but also much of the world, thanks to her music, without the slightest inkling, however, charisma, warm attitude and intelligence. of what that entailed. Like Halldor Laxness In 1980 Vigdis Finnbogadottir was sworn in as he was overtaken by world events, married a Iceland’s fourth president, becoming the world’s woman of Jewish origin and lived in Germany first elected female head of state. What did this until 1944. This book recounts his story more entail and what sacrifices had to be made? bluntly than ever before. Arni Heimir Ingolfs- This comprehensive portrait of the person of HARDBACK son has left no stone unturned in his quest for HARDBACK Vigdis Finnbogadottir, covers every shade hue AUTUMN 2009 AUTUMN 2009 sources on Jon Leifs’ life, which reveals itself Rights available Rights available from sorrow to victory, so that by the end of the Sold to: to be gripping and fraught with suspense. book, the reader is left with both an intimate Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Orlanda) Chapters in English available and lasting impression of her.

• Chosen best biography at the annual award ceremony for bookshop employees, 2009.

A R N I HEIMIR ING OLFSSON holds a PhD degrees in Musicology PA LL VA L SSON has a Masters Degree in Icelandic Literature from from Harvard University and is the Programme Director of the Iceland the University of Iceland. He was the chief editor and director of the Edda Symphony Orchestra. Publishing House and Mal og menning. Pall received the 1999 Icelandic Literary Award in the scholarly category for his biography of the national Icelandic poet Jonas Hallgrimsson.

· 104 · · 105 · B IOGRAPHY B IOGRAPHY

“… a real masterpiece ... the text is terse and sharp, A biography of Olafia Johannesdottir extremely readable and written with mature genius.”

OSSUR SKARPHEDINSSON / DV NEWSPAPER

SIGRIDUR DUNA OSKAR GUDMUNDSSON KRISTMUNDSDOTTIR Snorri Mother Theresa Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241) left more of a of the North mark on the history of Iceland and the culture of western Europe than perhaps any of his Olafia Johannsdottir (1863–1924) was born into fellow countrymen. This biography paints a the poor rural society of nineteenth century vivid portrait of an exceptionally talented Iceland where women had few civil rights and individual who had to grapple with kings even fewer vocational opportunities. But Olafia abroad, chieftains at home, his children and defied her destiny, became an ardent cam- his own weaknesses. But this man who paigner for women’s rights, education and tem- struggled against the world more than eight perance and a popular lecturer in Europe and centuries ago also conquered it through his North America where she travelled widely. She literature. has been called “Mother Theresa of the North” HARDBACK HARDBACK The book lifts the veil of some of Iceland’s most 2006 as she devoted herself to easing the misery of AUTUMN 2009 539 pp 350 pp intriguing historical figures and conjures up destitute women in Oslo, who in turn loved her Rights available Rights available memorable images of cunning indiduals and like a mother. Sold to: Germany/Switzerland/Austria harrowing events. (Böhlau Verlag)

OSK A R GUDMU NDSSON studied History, Literature and Social Sciences at the University of Reykjavik, in Bremen, Germany and in Copenhagen SIGR IDUR DU NA K R IST MU NDSDOT T IR is professor of Anthro- during the seventies. He was the editor in chief of the magazine Studenta- pology at the University of Iceland. She was awarded the Icelandic Literary bladid, the weekly Nordurland and the news magazine Thjodlif. Oskar has Prize for non-fiction in 2001. worked as an independent academic and writer and has been involved in the publication of numerous books as editor and author.

· 106 · · 107 · B IOGRAPHY B IOGRAPHY

“Incredibly intriguing …a bold idea … a remarkable book “Stylistically admirable, exceptionally informative written with vigour and intensity.” and will be the standard biography of Halldor Laxness.”

ICELANDIC STATE TV DIE WELT

HALLDOR GUDMUNDSSON HALLDOR GUDMUNDSSON Writer’s Lives The Islander, The Sudursveit Prodigy and a Biography the Skriduklaustur Poet –

a Biography Halldor Laxness was the most renowned Ice- landic writer of the 20th century, having won Do they have anything at all in common, the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. In his the cosmopolite Gunnar Gunnarsson and the best works he is considered to have combined homebody Thorbergur Thordarson? One wrote the spirit of classical literary forms such as the in Danish and saw his books translated into Icelandic sagas with qualities that are reminis- a host of foreign languages; the other’s books cent of what was later called South American were a well-kept secret known only to the few magical realism. HARDBACK HARDBACK 2006 who knew his native tongue. One probed the 2004 This major biography is narrated in a gripping, 440 pp mystery of human existence; the other was a 486 pp exciting, and consistently critical way, giving Rights available Sold to: noted and mercurial humorist. UK, USA (MacLehose Press/Quercus) readers a grand description of a personality Germany (btb) Halldor Gudmundsson sketches a unique Norway (Tiden/Norsk Gyldendal) in which the manifold conflicts of the 20th portrait of these two authors in this parallel Denmark (Vandkunsten) century are mirrored. Sweden (Leopard) biography. • The Icelandic Literary Prize 2004 • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award • The Biography of the year by Icelandic Booksellers

H A LLDOR GUDMU NDSSON studied literature at the University of Iceland and then at the University of Copenhagen. For 19 years he worked in publishing, for the longest time as the publisher for Mal og menning. At the same time he continued researching and writing about literature, with emphasis on the works of Halldor Laxness.

· 108 · · 109 · MEMOIRS MEMOIRS

The Icelandic Bookseller’s Prize 2005 “Gives a devastating insight into the world of someone The Icelandic Journalist Award 2005 trapped in the vicious circle of madness and drug use.”

Dv NEWSPAPER

GERDUR KRISTNY CLARE DICKENS THELMA ASDISARDOTTIR A Dangerous gift Portrait of a Father A Dangerous Gift is a frightful tale of a very – My Story bright young man, whose outstanding talents were crushed before he had the chance to learn Thelma and her four sisters were brought up in the crucial skills needed to keep his Bi-Polar the 1970’s and 80’s. There they were subjected manic depression at bay. This is neither a to the cruellest violence that can be inflicted critical essay on the short comings of our on any child – relentless sexual abuse from Health Systems, nor is this a cry for help. This her father and other paedophiles. Thelma soon is simply a true story, unfortunately an all too learnt that absolute silence was to reign over common one. A story told by a mother, thrown her experiences, a silence she didn’t break until into this confusing world of Manic Depression she became an adult woman and came into con- HARDBACK HARDBACK without any warning or training; trying to 2005 tact with, an organization set up to help women 2007 232 pp 235 pp comprehend what her son, with this elusive, Chapters in English available who have suffered sexual abuse. Author Gerdur English tranlation available Sold to: Rights available frightening disease, is trying to deal with on Kristny recounts Thelma’s story in a poignant Sweden (Bra böcker) a daily basis. Film rights sold to: and dispassionate style. A story of a woman Elf Films who has been helped to come to terms with her excruciating past and stands up, victorious.

GER DUR K R IST N Y is an award winning poet and writer. She has CL A R E DICK ENS was born in Scotland, raised and educated in England published several poetry books, short stories, novels and children’s books. and lived in the United States for almost thirty years. As the wife of an Her biography of Thelma won the Icelandic Journalist Award 2005, American diplomat she has lived with her husband and two sons in Belgium, bestowed by the Icelandic Press Association. Iceland and the United States.

· 110 · · 111 · SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES

“An excellent book that reflects warm interest in and respect for society. It shows clearly that the guiding light of schools should be respect and care. The work is very useful for educational policy and for myself, Nominated for the 2008 Icelandic Literary Award not only in my role as minister of education but also as a parent.”

THORGERDUR KATRIN GUNNARSDOTTIR, MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE, ICELAND (2003–2009).

SIGRUN ADALBJARNARDOTTIR VILHJALMUR ARNASON Respect and Care A Successful Life, – a Challenge for the 21. Century a Just Society

Respect and Care is a unique work that de- – Ethical Theory scribes the pathways to individual maturity and the guidance along those pathways provided In his book Vilhjalmur Arnason discusses by education and the action of teachers. Few several of the key ethical theories in Western things are more important than the education history and also provides some insights into of young people. Here attention is drawn to the contemporary debate on success in life the role of the educator in cultivating universal and a just society. The book both focuses on values for human interaction: respect and care, established masters in the field of philosophical ethics such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Kant friendship and love, justice and tolerance. The TRADE PAPERBACK main stress is on the importance of enhancing 2008 and Mill, and authors such as Hegel, Marx, 511 pp Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. It also includes communicative skills and ethics of children and Rights available HARDBACK a detailed analysis of the key movements of 2007 young adults and to lay the foundation for their 537 pp the twentieth century: existentialism, logical Chapters in English available skills in diversity and democratic citizenship. Rights available The book is a remarkable contribution to educa- analysis, virtue ethics, Rawl’s theory of justice tion in the spirit of democracy and citizenship, and discourse ethics. absolutely innovative and based on years of solid experience.

V ILHJA L MUR A R NA SON is a professor of Philosophy at the University of Iceland and his writing and lectures have focused primarily on ethics SIGRU N A DA LB JA R NA R DOT T IR is a Professor of Education at the and contemporary ethical solutions. A Succesful Life, a Just Society offers a Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Iceland. Her current research comprehensive, pointed and highly readable study of the key movements in activities include a longitudinal study on the risk-taking behaviour of young ethics and the reasoning behind them – issues that concern every individual people who have been followed for seven years since age 14. She has also and society as a whole. conducted a long-term research project on the promotion of students’ social and moral growth.

· 112 · · 113 · SOCIAL STUDIES HISTORY

“Children are not an investment and time is not money. A child is only a child for a short time, but childhood Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award is a period that remains stored in us.”

ANDRI SNAER MAGNASON, AUTHOR AND FATHER

SAEUNN KJARTANSDOTTIR INGA HULD HAKONARDOTTIR The Years No-One Far from the Warmth Remembers of the Marital Bed A Different History of Iceland We don’t remember the first months of our

lives, not even the first two to three years. An overall picture of gender relations in Iceland Research however, is increasingly showing from the earliest settlement until the 19th that it is precisely those first months and years century with emphasis on the discussion of that have a lasting impact on our lives from that matrimony and extramarital relationships. The point onwards. The child’s every experience book analyses the attitudes which lay behind has a direct effect on its self-image and its the restrictions imposed by both ecclesiastical relationships with others. The care and stimula- and secular authorities on extramarital sexual HARDBACK TRADE PAPERBACK tion of those around them can be rewarded with relations and the punishments for crimes 2009 1992 incredible development. Our experiences later 203 pp 323 pp of adultery. Central to this discussion is her Rights available Rights available in life can never be equal to the first connec- examination of the Storidomur – a criminal tions that are established, because they form code covering moral offences of 1564 and its the basis for the life that lies ahead. The Years application in the centuries following, used by No-One Remembers is a vital book for the the authorities to control the sexual lives of parents of young children and all those who the commoners. tend to little children.

INGA HULD H A KONA R DOT T IR studied History at the University SA EU N N K JA RTA NSDOT T IR is an independent psychoanalyst who has of Iceland and the University of Copenhagen. She has worked as a journalist a long track record in individual therapy and counseling in the health service. for newspapers and magazines as well as a scholar specializing in Women’s She is also the author of What Makes People? The Psychoanalytic Quest for History. Hakonardottir has written numerous articles, conferences and inter- Understanding (1999). views and is the author of several biographies and works on History.

· 114 · · 115 · HISTORY HISTORY

“This is a truly important book and there is nothing like it available ...” GUNNAR KARLSSON JESSE BYOCK, PROFESSOR OF ICELANDIC STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Chieftain Culture GUNNAR KARLSSON – the Status and Influence Iceland’s 1100 Years of Icelandic Chieftaincies on the Icelandic Commonwealth This volume recounts the history of a society on the margin of Europe as well as on the margin Chieftain Culture is a multi-layered investiga- of reaching the size and wealth of a proper state tion into the role and social influence of the – Iceland. Beginning with colonisation around Icelandic chieftains (goðar) on the Icelandic the year 870, it concludes with the year 2000, Commonwealth. The book places a particular having taken the reader through Iceland’s pe- focus on aspects of this society that have been riod of foreign domination, by the Norwegians, hailed by historical studies tainted by a nation- HARDBACK then the English and finally the Danes, who alistic bias, highlighting distinctions between 2001 418 pp ruled the country until 1944. Politics, religion, HARDBACK legislative and judiciary powers, the democratic Rights available 2004 economics and technological innovation are 539 pp nature of the chieftaincies, and the relationship covered in detail, while the role of women and The book includes between the chieftaincies and Icelandic litera- an English summary. literature, ancient and modern, including, of ture in the Middle Ages. course, the sagas, are also discussed. The author’s conclusion is that this was in many ways a unique and, in some cases, even remarkable society. This is not so much, however, GUNNAR KARLSSON attributed to the greatness of the Icelandic A Brief History nation, as the nationalistic theories might have us believe, but rather Iceland’s remoteness of Iceland from the rest of Europe, and the difficulty of navigating the Atlantic ocean, which held royal The history of Iceland spans just over 1100 authority at bay for centuries, after the settlers years, from the settlement of the country in had assimiliated a Christian literary culture. PAPERBACK the 9th century to the modern republic of today. 2000 72 pp This book gives a concise, clear and vivid Available in: overview of Icelandic history through these GU N NA R K A R L SSON is a historian and professor of History at the English, Swedish and German University of Iceland. He has written a wealth of books, articles, studies, Sold to: centuries, the main events, the people and Japan (Waseda Daigaku Shuppan) teaching books and introductions to Icelandic history. their way of life, in times of glory and in times of degradation and natural disaster.

· 116 · · 117 · HISTORY HISTORY

“An excellent work.”

SVENSKA DAGBLADET

JON R. HJALMARSSON VESTEINN OLASON History of Iceland Dialogues with

A lively and absorbing description of the de- The Viking Age velopment of the Icelandic nation from the settlement more than eleven hundred years ago An introduction to and a critical discussion and up to the present day. In concise and highly of the Sagas of the Icelanders or the Icelandic PAPERBACK 1994 informative accounts, written with the general Family Sagas, as they are often called. The 200 pp author presents the historical and literary back- Available in: reader in mind, the book charts the glories and English, Danish and German achievements of the Republic and Saga Age; ground of the saga genre, analyses the narrative Sold to: form and describes the world view expressed Russia (Ves Mir) the bitter and bloody civil war which led to Bulgaria (Riva) humiliation and suffering under colonial rule; in the sagas. He sees the sagas as dialogues HARDBACK and the nationalist awakening which has 1998 between the authors and their past, conversa- 297 pp tions between the Middle Ages and the Age of created a thriving modern republic with deep Sold to: attachment to its unique past. Italy (Editoriale San Giusto srl the Vikings. He joins in that conversation from – Edizioni Parnaso); a modern standpoint and leads the reader into Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Ludwig Verlag) the sagas step by step, gradually helping him to English translation available develop a deeper understanding both of individual works and of the genre as a whole.

V EST EIN N OL A SON has been professor of Icelandic literature at the JON R . HJA L M A R SSON is a historian and educator and served as University of Iceland, UC Berkley and the Universities of Copenhagen and a school principal and later as regional administrator of education in south Oslo as well as being the director of The Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Iceland for many years. He is well known as a broadcaster and as the author Studies. Olason has published numerous articles on Icelandic literature of several books on history and related subjects. in Icelandic and foreign magazines as well as several books, amongst them Traditional Ballads of Iceland. He received the Icelandic Literature Award in 1993.

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NANNA ROGNVALDARDOTTIR NANNA ROGNVALDARDOTTIR Cool Cuisine Nanna’s Home

Favourite traditional Icelandic dishes are Cooking brought to life in this inspirational cookbook. A mixture of old and new, combined Nanna’s Home Cooking is a compilation with excellent ingredients, provides a of fifty dishes frequently cooked by Nanna collection of mouth-watering recipes. Rognvaldardottir, Iceland’s best known Learn how the Icelanders cook puffin, food writer, for her own family. Some of HARDBACK HARDBACK the dishes are variations on traditional Ice- 2004 reindeer or simple delicacies like fresh fish 2009 148 pp 240 pp landic recipes, some are modern European Available in: or the famous Icelandic lamb, raised on Icelandic and English aromatic mountain grasses and herbs. or American, some a bit more exotic – but Also available in small format This book gives you a taste of Iceland’s all are fairly simple, inexpensive and above coolest cuisine with recipes which are easy all tasty. Besides the recipes themselves, to follow and fun to cook. this unconventional cookbook includes several suggestions for accompaniments to each dish as well as numerous suggestions on how to change the recipe according to individual preferences, advice on how to cook a smaller version of the dish for singles and what to do with the leftovers.

• The Icelandic Winner of the Gourmand NA N NA ROGN VA LDA R DOT T IR is Iceland’s most popular cookbook World Cookbook Awards 2009 author and food writer. She has among other things written a 700-page in two categories encyclopaedic work on food and cooking followed by a huge cookbook with over 3,600 recipes and a couple of books in English on Icelandic food, Cool Cuisine and Icelandic Food and Cookery. Nanna’s Home Cooking was published in 2009 and became an instant bestseller in Iceland.

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“For those who wish to know and understand the Icelandic people of today, there could be no better introduction.”

ALAN BOUCHER

BRIAN PILKINGTON Icelandic Folk- TERRY GUNNELL and Fairytales Hidden People

In the mid-nineteenth century, Jon Arnason Shrouded in mystery, steeped in legend, the compiled a set of Icelandic folktales. huldufolk (hidden people) of Iceland have HARDBACK Ever since that set was first published in 2008 inhabited the island at least as long as humans. 25 pp 1862–64, it has been considered the fore- Countless tales are told of these wondrous Available in: most collection of Icelandic folktales and Icelandic and English creatures, their hidden world, their customs and has provided readers with inspiration for festivals and their interactions with human PAPERBACK works of art, adventure tales for recreational beings. Usually only seen when they wanted 1987 reading, and information about life and peo- 123 pp people to see them – often entering their dreams ple of earlier times. The late professor Alan – they sometimes sought help from humans Boucher, former Chairman of the Depart- and gave rich rewards. The hidden people still ment of English at the University of Iceland, demand respect in Iceland, where roads have translated a series of these tales, which we been altered and construction plans changed to now present to the public in book-form. avoid disturbing elf-stones, large rocks housing In his introduction to this selection, Alan huldufólk families. The hidden people have been Boucher expressed the hope that it would known to avenge destruction of their homes offer English-speaking readers a fair sample with a vengeance ... of some of the best Icelandic folktales.

The Hidden People of Iceland is richly illustrated by award-winning artist BRIAN PILKINGTON. The text is written by T ER RY GU N N ELL , Associate Professor of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland.

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BJORN HROARSSON Icelandic Caves

A vast portion of the volcanic island of Iceland is made up of lava fields. Until quite recently, however, very few people realized that there SIGURDUR AEGISSON ILLUSTRATIONS BY are over five hundred caves concealed below JON BALDUR HLIDBERG the lava, which jointly can be hundreds of kilometres in length. For the first time ever, Meeting with the wonderful cosmos of these underground worlds is revealed in spectacular photographs, Monsters maps and detailed accounts, based on the most up-to date research. The book gathers the Icelandic folklore heritage contains a wealth HARDBACK HARDBACK 2 VOLUMES IN A CASE experiences of the daring explorers who have 2008 of tales about weird animals and ferocious 2006 135 pp monsters. These creatures terrified Icelanders 33 x 25,5 cm, 672 pp discovered these subterranean crypts over the Available in: 950 photographs past few years. Over a thousand photographs Icelandic and English in prior centuries but have hardly been noticed Sold to: recently a least for the most part. of stunning geological formations by some 40 Russia (OGI) photographers unseal worlds of breathtak- The main folk legends and stories of these ing beauty that have never been beheld by monsters from in or around Iceland are re- human eyes before. This is a book about some counted in this book, from both oral and written of the few unexplored areas left on this planet, sources. The monsters and their peculiarities pooling the findings of many cave experts and are described in the text in a detailed, insightful specialists in various fields. Follow them manner, and the locations where they have been on secret adventurous trails that so few have spotted are shown on a map. The illustrations followed before. accompanying the text shed additional lights on this interesting part of Icelandic folklore. • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award in non-fiction in 2006

Noted wildlife artist JON BA LDUR HL IDBERG has thrown himself into a new arena illustrating creatures of legend. B JOR N HROA R SSON is a geologist and cave expert, who has been researching lava caves for over a quarter of a century. SIGUR DUR A EGISSON is a folklorist and theologian by training and has written over the years on the subjects of natural history and folklore.

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JON BA LDUR HL IDBERG has long been famous for his wild life illustra- AEVAR PETERSEN tions, which have adorned specialists books and variety of other informative ILLUSTRATIONS BY JON BALDUR HLIDBERG material in recent years. A portfolio of his stunning artwork is available at www.fauna.is, an image database of over 1800 images of various plants and animals he has painted over the years. Images are added to the database as Icelandic Birds Jon Baldur Hlidberg paints new ones or as older ones are freed for publication. The database can be searched by English, Icelandic and Latin names. The most up-to-date and thorough book on Icelandic birds ever. Each species is described in independent chapters including distribution SIGURDUR AEGISSON maps and an illustration of the every breed’s ILLUSTRATIONS BY JON BALDUR HLIDBERG egg and different plumages.

HARDBACK • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize Whales 33 x 25,5 cm in 1998 species – features – habits – distribution 312–344 pp Rights available Interest in whale watching has greatly increased Illustrations available on in recent years. This book is intended to meet www.fauna.is GUNNAR JONSSON the growing need for easy-to-read material on & JONBJORN PALSSON ILLUSTRATIONS BY JON BALDUR HLIDBERG these mysterious creatures. It can be used both when observing whales in their natural environ- PAPERBACK Icelandic Fish 21 x 14,5 cm ment and as a general handbook. All whales 155 pp The book is written by the two of Iceland’s Available in English found in the temperature and cold seas of the North Atlantic Ocean are covered in detail, foremost experts in this field. It deals with the while exceptional pictures highlight all the main 340 species of fish found in Icelandic waters distinguishing features of the animals. and contains over 500 pictures, both portraits The book is divided into two parts. The first and details, most of them from actual specimens. is a diagnostic key that allows users to easily identify the whales they see. The main physical PALL HERSTEINSSON features, habits and similar species are noted. ILLUSTRATIONS BY JON BALDUR HLIDBERG The second part contains general information about whales, including the species found in the Icelandic Mammals seas around Iceland. Over 60 species of mammals are analysed in this book, each presented in lively and interesting prose, and accompanied by stunning water-colour illustrations, in addition to a wealth of maps and diagrams.

• Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award in non-fiction in 2004

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RAGNAR AXELSSON SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON UNNUR JOKULSDOTTIR Faces of the North Icelanders HARDBACK Amazing images from Iceland, Greenland 23.5 x 30.5 cm 152 pp and the Faroe Islands. It will give you the Over a period of two years, photographer Available in: HARDBACK rare opportunity of witnessing some of the Sigurgeir Sigurjonsson and author Unnur English, French, German and Icelandic 2004 98 tritone photographs most extraordinary cultures, times and 197 pp Jokulsdottir travelled the length and breadth Available in: of Iceland and visited people from all over places in our world. The photographer is an English, French, German and Icelandic indefatigable traveller, who does not hesitate the country. The result of their journey is the to venture out into storms and blizzards, to book Icelanders, which contains haunting wait for hours in temperatures of 40° below photos of people and nature, amusing dialogue, freezing, or risk his life on vertiginous cliffs, and lyrical narrative spiced with gentle humour. all for a good picture. Foreword by Mary Small-boat fishermen, jacks-of-all-trades, Ellen Mark. tourist farmers, fox hunters, rock collectors, hired women, and children of nature are among the people we meet – people who want to live their lives according to their own designs, in the environment they know best.

• Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award in non-fiction in 2004

R AGNA R A X EL SSON, known as RAX, has for many years been a leader U N N UR JOK UL SDOT T IR has worked in various fields, including horse- among Icelandic photographers and has worked for Iceland’s biggest daily, training, hotel management, business management, and writing. After sailing Morgunbladid. He has won a variety of honours around the world for his work around the world, she chronicled her travels and has since then written several and his photographs have been published in magazines such as National travel books and a novel for children. Geographic, Time, Life, Stern and Le Figaro.

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SIGURGEIR SIGUR JONSSON has worked as a photographer in Reykjavik for a number of years and is the author of several magnificent books of photography, all of which have enjoyed enormous success for Sigurjonsson’s ability to express the unique qualities of the Icelandic landscape. SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON Lost in Iceland

SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON Tranquillity, silence … qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in our frenetic 21st-century Volcano Island world, a world in which we live and work to a persistent soundtrack of manmade noise. In On average, volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland contrast, the sounds evoked by Sigurgeir Sigur- every four to five years, most of the time to little Over 50.000 copies sold! jonsson’s photographs are the eternal sounds of attention outside the country shores. In April nature – the sighing of the wind, the lapping of HARDBACK 2010 the world took good notice of happenings 22 x 26 cm, 160 pp waves, the hissing of steam and the unchanging Available in: in Iceland as the volcanic ash cloud from the English, French and German roar of a waterfall. eruption in Eyjafjallajökull wrecked havoc on air travel in Europe for days. This magnificent book shows the drama unfolding around Eyja- SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON PAPERBACK fjallajökull, and the effects on the territory, as 2010 The Little Big Book 23 x 23 cm well as giving a general background of volcanism 144 pp in Iceland. about Iceland

Iceland in a nutshell - or rather, a compact volume showcasing the raw beauty of this fasci- “A miniature dream.” nating country, its nature and the volatile forces ICELAND REVIEW.COM that shape it - and the people that inhabit it and are themselves shaped by their environment. HARDBACK 9x9 cm, 311 pp Sigurgeir Sigurjónsson is justly famed for his Available in English photographic work and this little big book shows why.

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SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON THOR ST EN HEN N has lived in Iceland since 1998 after having first been enchanted by its beauty during a visit in 1985. He runs a photo studio Made in Iceland in Reykjavik and his work has been printed in numerous well-known magazines in Iceland and abroad. A treasure trove of wondrous photographs of the Icelandic landscape, of the forces of nature – and of ordinary people. This is nature photography at its finest. Sigurgeir THORSTEN HENN Sigurjonsson demonstrates once more

PAPERBACK his ability to express the peace, quiet and Iceland Up close and personal 19 x 19 cm, 213 pp solitude of the stark emptiness of the Available in: English, French and German Icelandic landscape, and its brief glimpses Iceland Up Close is a fantastic, high-quality of human life in harmony with nature. illustrated book that makes for a wonderful insight into Icelandic life. The book is divided into four parts: Land, a display of some of SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON Iceland’s greatest rock features, be they striking Iceland Getaway basalt formations or the lunar landscape of the lava fields; Water, a paean to Iceland’s stunning HARDBACK waterfalls and the majesty of the sea; Air, a Sigurjonsson’s pictures and sensitivity 2009 26,5 x 26,5 cm, 142 pp selection of aerial photographs, allowing you to to the awesome natural forces of the north, Available in: see the huge scale of Iceland’s incredible natural the splendour of the Icelandic highlands, English, German and Icelandic landscape; and finally People, expressive images PAPERBACK and the magical power of waterfalls and 30 x 29 cm, 220 pp of Iceland’s hardy fishermen, urban trendsetters Available in English hot springs have become part of Icelandic and political heavyweights alike. iconography.

SIGURGEIR SIGURJONSSON THORSTEN HENN Icelandic Horses Colours of Iceland

A unique book of beautiful photographs German photographer Thorsten Henn composes that shows the Icelandic horse in nature, a unique and personal ode to Iceland with this

in winter, summer, spring and autumn. HARDBACK impressive selection of magnificent photographs 23 x 27 cm, 127 pp HARDBACK The pictures are both of herds and individual of the Icelandic landscape. With a foreword by 19 x 19 cm, 160 pp Available in: English, French and German Available in: horses, while superb photos of Icelandic Sigur Ros. English, French and German competition horses can also be found.

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A R I TR AUST I GUDMU NDSSON is a geophysicist and one of Iceland’s foremost experts on volcanic activity and volcanoes. He is the author of some ARI TRAUSTI GUDMUNDSSON twenty books on geology, travelling, and nature, including a comprehensive study of all the volcanic areas in Iceland. Living Earth The Geology of Iceland

One of Iceland’s most distinguished writers ARI TRAUSTI GUDMUNDSSON of popular geological and nature books has compiled international research into Icelandic

Eruptions PAPERBACK geology, providing the reader with an overview W/PLASTIC JACKET 2007 of the pooled findings, which are explained in a This beautiful book contains photographs 48 pp clear and accessible style. An incredibly useful of all the volcanic eruptions that Icelandic Available in: English and German and readable handbook that will satisfy even photographers have managed to capture over the most scientific readers. the course of the 20th century, with some truly phenomenal sights, including some world famous historical moments such as the ARI TRAUSTI GUDMUNDSSON Surtsey eruption which created a new island PETUR THORLEIFSSON between 1963–1967 and the eruption on the island of Heimaey in 1973, which formed a new Icelandic Mountains volcano on the outskirts of a town of 5.000 Walking Routes to 151 Summits

HARDBACK inhabitants. 2005 29 x 23 cm, 312 pp A wonderful book for trekkers and outdoor 229 color/b&w photographs activity lovers. Icelandic Mountains contains 7 illustrations walkingroutes to Iceland’s major summits, which are indicated in a clear and entertain- PAPERBACK W/PLASTIC JACKET ing way, with detailed maps of mountains 2004 and their surroundings areas, and precious 334 pp Rights available information for travellers on the length of Sold to: UK (Cicerone) each walk, the level of difficulty involved and its duration.

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HORDUR KRISTINSSON is a Dr. rer.nat. in botany and has been studying and photographing the flora of Iceland for almost fifty years.

SIGURDUR H. STEFNISSON Aurora HORDUR KRISTINSSON Lights of the Northern Sky Flowering Plants Magnificent photographs of the northern

and Ferns of Iceland HARDBACK lights in their many different forms, with 22 x 24,5 cm, 72 pp tips on viewing and photographing, as well Available in: Flowering Plants and Ferns of Iceland, English, German and Japanese as facts and myths about the aurora. Stef- one of the most popular guides to Icelandic nisson’s photograph of an aurora above and flora, has now been extensively revised and beyond an erupting volcano was selected improved. Inside you’ll find 465 different as one of the 100 best photographs ever

PAPERBACK species of plants, some of which are new to published in the National Geographic in 112 W/PLASTIC JACKET Iceland or have been naturalized in recent years of the magazine’s history. 2010 368 pp decades. Published in Icelandic, German and English Rights available ARNBJORG L. JOHANNSDOTTIR DANIEL BERGMANN Icelandic Icelandic Medicinal Herbs Wilderness

This beautiful and highly practical book, A true masterpiece, Icelandic Wilderness adorned with close to two hundred colour HARDBACK 23 x 27 cm, 125 pp is a photographic journey made by Daniel photographs, focuses on the healing proper- Available in English Bergmann, who spent days and weeks ties of Icelandic and international herbs in the wilderness trying to capture pho- and how they can be used to boost human PAPERBACK tographs of rare birds, wild animals and W/PLASTIC JACKET health. The characteristics of the plants magnificent landscapes. This is the only 2009 are examined, as well as where they can 240 pp collection of its kind. Rights available be found, which parts of them contain the effective healing properties, the active in-

Other available books in this series: gredients in them, their effect on the human The Icelandic Stones Handbook The Key to Icelandic Geology body and on specific disorders. 21 x 14,5 cm · 136 · · 137 · BOOKS ON ICELAND BOOKS ON ICELAND

JOHANN OLI HILMARSSON FRIDTHJOFUR THORKELSSON The Puffin The Colours of the

This delightful book explores the life of the Icelandic Horse Puffin in words and pictures, and provides details of Iceland’s best puffin-watching This is the first book of its kind to show locations. With unique photographs that the full range of possible colours to be found show aspects of puffin behaviour which have in the Icelandic horse. The book monitors

HARDBACK HARDBACK not been photographed before. the same foals from the moment of their 22 x 24 cm, 170 pp 2008 Available in: birth to when they have acquired their 125 pp English and German Available in English definitive colour, and the changes in colour JOHANN OLI HILMARSSON are shown, step by step. Icelandic Bird Guide

An identification guide that can make your bird-watching in Iceland more interesting. It has over 500 photographs and diagrams and GISLI B. BJORNSSON describes order, family habits and identifying H. SVEINSSON features as well as locating the habitat, breeding areas, population, clutch size, incubation The Icelandic Horse period of all species found in Iceland. This magnificent book is the largest and HARDBACK most comprehensive book about Icelandic 14 x 22 cm, 193 pp Available in: ASBJORN BJORGVINSSON horses ever published. It contains informa- English and German HELMUT LUGMAYR tion about almost everything that has Whalewatching to do with Icelandic horses. Also, there are chapters about how they are doing outside in Iceland of Iceland, including competitions and HARDBACK 24 x 34 cm, 415 pp shows. Finally, the book features a long An informative and well illustrated book Available in: English and German chapter about breeding. about the way of life of whales, their behavior and conduct as well as a brief PAPERBACK 2002 description of birds and seals commonly 61 pp seen during whale watching trips. Available in: English and German · 138 · · 139 · LARGE FORMAT ILLUSTRATED BOOKS LARGE FORMAT ILLUSTRATED BOOKS

GUDMU NDUR PA LL OL A FSSON has a B.Sc degree in biology from Ohio The most comprehensive work ever published on the treasures State University and is a doctor of marine biology from Stockholm University. of Icelandic nature. Entertainingly and informatively written, He also has a degree in art from Colombus College of Art and Design, Ohio. the books in this series are lavishly illustrated He has worked as a teacher, a writer, naturalist, nature photographer, active conservationist, columnist and lecturer in Iceland, and sometimes abroad. with stunning colour photographs and present the wonders of Iceland from all conceivable angles.

GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON The Coast of Iceland Birds of Iceland

This all-round reference work opens up the This outstanding book introduces the reader world of the coast, its nature, its culture, its into the enchanting world of Icelandic birds, magic, describing the formation and endless with descriptions of their behaviour patterns evolution of the land; the influence of the sun, and way of life and flight, feeding habits, breed- the moon and the weather on life on the shore; ing and preferred habitats. The book enumerates the mechanisms of tides and complex oceanic each species of Icelandic breeding birds, in text

currents; and littoral life-forms, large and HARDBACK and photographs, including references to folk- small. With stunning photographs showing 2005 lore and fiction. 24 x 33 cm, 383 pp HARDBACK both of the ocean depths and the flora and 1995 • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Award 24 x 33 cm, 460 pp fauna of the coast. in non-fiction in 2005 Available in English

GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON GUDMUNDUR PALL OLAFSSON Iceland – The Icelandic the Enchanted Highlands

A comprehensive description of the extraor- The mountainous centre of the island, with its dinary variety and magic of the Icelandic rocky deserts, jagged mountain peaks, ice caps, landscape, from chilling ice to fiery glory of volcanoes, hidden valleys and hot springs, is an the skies, from treacherous glacial melt water HARDBACK awe-inspiring and untouched wilderness. This rivers to tiny meadow flowers, the unique 2000 24 x 33 cm, 439 pp magnificent book presents the Icelandic high- and the everyday, even places of fond memo- lands in all their splendour. HARDBACK 1990 ries, or fearful ones. 24 x 33 cm, 419 pp Available in English · 140 · · 141 · MAPS MAPS

Icelandic Atlas

The Icelandic Atlas is the most extensive atlas of Iceland ever published, and marks a turning point in Icelandic cartographic history. The entire country, from the highest peaks to the outermost headlands and islands, is depicted on 132 magnificent maps in the scale of 1:100 000. The maps are highly detailed, including over 43.000 place-names, along with an introduction on the history of Icelandic mapmaking Hiking maps and on the country’s nature. Using the ArcGIS geographic information system from ESRI, The Hiking maps are produced for those the surface of the country could be reproduced who travel in Iceland’s most popular natural HARDBACK CASED EDITION with extraordinary accuracy, so that the height 47 x 36 cm, 208 pp regions. The maps focus on enjoyable driving of mountains, the depth of valleys, and the and walking routes, and include a variety of endless expanses of the wilderness are per- information, including many place-names. ceived as if one were flying over the landscape. On the reverse of the maps are descriptions The Icelandic Atlas is a unique reference work of the main natural attractions of the regions, on the geography of Iceland, which has been together with more precise maps of individual warmly welcomed by the people of Iceland. walking routes, etc. The Icelandic Atlas won three awards at the ESRI Conference in San Diego in 2006, the world’s largest geographic information confer-

ence, with more that 1000 companies com- Ten maps in this series have now been published: peting in 10 categories, where the Icelandic Map 1: Reykjanes – Thingvellir 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Atlas had the honour of being chosen absolute Map 2: Gullfoss – Geysir – Hekla 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 favourite. Map 3: Kjolur – Langjokull 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Map 4: Landmannalaugar – Thorsmork – Fjallabak 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Map 5: Skaftafell 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Map 6: Lonsoræfi – Snaefell 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Map 7: Askja – Herdubreid – Kverkfjoll 1:100 000 / 1:50 000 Map 8: Akureyri – Myvatn – Dettifoss 1:120 000 / 1:50 000 Map 9: Hornstrandir 1:100 000 / 1:55 000 Map 10: Snaefellsnes 1:100 000 / 1:55 000

· 142 · · 143 · FORLAGID, Iceland’s largest publishing house publishes titles under three imprints: JPV, Mál og menning and Vaka-Helgafell. The company also has an ambitious cartographic division.

JPV PUBLISHERS are editors of literature and general-interest publications, as well as a number of Iceland’s leading authors. They are also publishers of translated fiction and among their authors are Milan Kundera, Paulo Coelho, Cervantes, James Patterson, José Carlos Somoza and Khaled Hosseini.

MÁL OG MENNING, founded in 1937, is Iceland’s longest established publisher and remains a dynamic force at the forefront of publishing Icelandic and foreign literary fiction, children’s books, reference, general non-fiction and high quality illustrated titles. Among their authors are Gabriel García For further information please contact Márquez, Bernard Schlink, Doris Lessing, the foreign rights department:

Carlos Ruíz Zafón, Imre Kertesz, Annie UA MATTHIASDOTTIR Proulx, Salman Rushdie and Astrid Lindgren. [email protected] VALGERDUR BENEDIKTSDOTTIR VAKA-HELGAFELL’s mission is to [email protected] entertain its readers as a leading publisher of popular books for the general market, including cookery, lifestyle and health titles. ALAN WEISMAN | ALBERT CAMUS| ALEKSIS KIWI | ALESSANDRO BARICCO | ALEX GARLAND | ALEXANDRE DUMAS | ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH AÐALSTEINN ÁSBERG SIGURÐSSON | AGNAR ÞÓRÐARSON | ALDÍS GUÐMUNDSDÓTTIR | ANDREA RÓBERTSDÓTTIR | ANDRÉS INDRIÐASON

forlagið publishing · br æðraborgastígur 7 · 101 reykjavik · iceland · +354 575 5600 · www.forlagid.is rights-agency Please address all enquiries regarding foreign rights department: UA MATTHIASDOTTIR [email protected] or VALGERDUR BENEDIKTSDOTTIR [email protected]