World light

This book by the most famous author from Iceland - Halldor Laxness - is supposed to be a great example of Icelandic literature. At least that is what the book store clerk in Reykjavik told me. Literature in Iceland is an interesting thing. This small island was populated by Vikings, runaways, and criminals yet has the highest number of published authors per capita. It probably has something to do with the fact that for around a quarter of the year they are all trapped inside with nothing to do.

Most of their books deal with suffering and hard work (concepts familiar to a people that had to scratch out a living in Iceland) and with rogue criminals. They are a law-loving people, they don't like rule-breakers - unless you break it in a spectacular epic way. These are called sagas. They're great.

Laxness won a Nobel Prize for his book Independent People but World Light, according to the book store clerk, is a better story. I found myself really identifying with the themes of suffering and hard work - as I struggled to finish this book. This book is an insight into a little piece of the Icelandic culture. It is full of hard working simple people. They are willing to help, but afraid to overextend themselves in an unforgiving world. They are social and all a little paranoid. It is reminiscent of the Wild West. Unfortunately the main character is a person that fancies himself a poet destined to a life of suffering for his art. Since he is enlightened and above societal norms and material things he basically mooches off of anyone that he can. Given the Icelandic sweet spot for writers, he finds a lot. Until he finally goes a little too far and then gets in trouble. Not the best story, but it does give you a 600 page insight into Iceland.