Iceland Booklist
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Whether you have decided to visit the land of fire and ice or just want to someday, here are some books for inspiration. Iceland has a rich literary tradition, and there are many books set in Iceland or written by Icelandic authors that offer insights into the country's culture, history, and landscapes. I have listed 10 books below with a short description of each that I feel fit this criteria. I also put stars by the ones I have personally read.
Independent People by Halldór Laxness⭐
A classic Icelandic novel that won the Nobel Prize in Literature. It explores the struggles of an Icelandic farmer and his family in the early 20th century. This was such a beautiful novel, and the father-daughter relationship in this was particularly relatable to me.
Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason
The first in the Detective Erlendur series, this crime novel is set in Reykjavik and delves into the investigation of a seemingly unrelated series of crimes.
The Blue Fox by Sjón⭐
A novella that weaves together various narrative strands in a lyrical and imaginative manner, set against the backdrop of Iceland's natural beauty. It was also the winner of the 2005 Nordic Council Literature Prize.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent⭐
While the author is Australian, the book is set in Iceland and tells the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last person to be executed in Iceland in 1830. This was one of my favorite reads in 2022, which was made better by visiting some of the locations in Iceland that same year.
The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness
Another novel by Laxnes. It explores the life of an orphan in early 20th-century Reykjavik and his experiences in the cultural and artistic circles of the time.
The Sagas of Icelanders
A collection of medieval Icelandic sagas that provide a glimpse into Iceland's historical and cultural aspects during the Viking Age. There are ten Sagas and seven shorter tales in this volume.
Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss⭐
Written by a British author who spent a year in Iceland, this non-fiction book offers a personal and reflective exploration of Icelandic culture. If you don’t already want to go to Iceland, you will after reading this book.
The Whispering Muse by Sjón
Set on an Icelandic merchant ship in the 1940s, this novel combines elements of historical fiction and myth, exploring themes of storytelling and obsession. This book has been on my TBR for a while and I plan to read it this year.
Hotel Silence by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
This novel tells the story of a man who, seeking solitude and not wishing to be a burden to his daughter, travels to a war-torn country for a fresh start. The author is an Icelandic writer and this book was the winner of the Icelandic Literary Prize.
Iceland's Bell by Halldór Laxness
Another work by Laxness, this historical novel is set in the 18th century and explores the social and political changes in Iceland during that time.
I hope you enjoy this list of Icelandic authors and books about or set in Iceland! I know that there are many more Icelandic authors and books that capture the essence of the country. Let me know if I missed any of your favorites!