Icelandic novels, and the countries’ fiction more generally, have been shaped by the country’s unique history, culture, and landscape. Icelandic writers have a long tradition of storytelling, and their work is often characterized by its use of dark humour, supernatural elements, and a strong sense of place.
One of the most distinctive features of Icelandic fiction is its use of dark humour. Icelandic writers often use humour to explore difficult or taboo subjects, such as death, violence, and mental illness. This can be seen in works by authors such as Halldór Laxness, Arnaldur Indriðason, and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.
Supernatural elements are also common in Icelandic fiction. Icelandic folklore is rich in stories of elves, trolls, and ghosts, and these creatures often make an appearance in Icelandic novels and short stories. Some of the best-known examples of Icelandic supernatural fiction include Laxness’s novel Under the Glacier, Indriðason’s crime novel The Shadow of the Past, and Sigurðardóttir’s children’s book The Greenhouse.
The Icelandic landscape is also a powerful force in Icelandic fiction. The harsh beauty of Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and mountains has inspired countless writers, and the landscape is often used as a metaphor for the human condition. Some of the most striking examples of Icelandic landscape fiction include Laxness’s novel Independent People, Jón Kalman Stefánsson’s novel Heaven and Hell, and Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir’s novel Butterflies in November.
In addition to its distinctive features, Icelandic fiction is also known for its exploration of universal themes, such as love, loss, and the meaning of life. Icelandic writers often use their stories to explore the challenges and joys of living in a small, isolated country, and their work has a wide appeal to readers around the world.
Here are twenty of Iceland’s finest novels:
Independent People by Halldór Laxness, 1934
Set in the rugged landscape of early 20th-century Iceland, Independent People follows the trials and tribulations of Bjartur of Summerhouses, a fiercely independent sheep farmer determined to carve out a life for himself and his family amidst the harsh realities of the land and the changing tides of modernity.
Laxness paints a vivid portrait of the resilience and spirit of the Icelandic people, their struggle against the forces of nature and the encroaching grip of commercialism, all while exploring themes of independence, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Iceland’s Bell by Halldór Laxness, 1943
Iceland’s Bell, a sweeping historical novel by Halldór Laxness, chronicles the transformative journey of a small Icelandic fishing village as it navigates the tumultuous changes of the 20th century.
Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty, Laxness weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of a community grappling with the forces of modernity and tradition.
Through the lives of its richly drawn characters, Iceland’s Bell offers a profound exploration of the human condition, capturing the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of the Icelandic people.
The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness, 1957
Halldór Laxness’s The Fish Can Sing is a captivating novel that interweaves fantastical elements with a poignant exploration of childhood, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Set in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century, the story follows Alfgrimur, a young boy raised by an elderly couple in a remote village. Amidst the harsh beauty of the Icelandic landscape, Alfgrimur’s imagination takes flight, and he dreams of becoming a singer like his idol, Gardar Holm. As Alfgrimur embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he confronts the challenges of growing up, the allure of fame and fortune, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Under the Glacier by Halldór Laxness, 1990
Under the Glacier is a sweeping historical novel that chronicles the transformative journey of a small Icelandic farming community as it navigates the tumultuous changes of the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty, Laxness weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of a community grappling with the forces of modernity and tradition. Under the Glacier is a profound exploration of the human condition, capturing the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of the Icelandic people.
Angels of the Universe by Einar Már Guðmundsson, 1993
Einar Már Guðmundsson’s Angels of the Universe is a captivating novel that delves into the depths of human consciousness and the intricacies of mental illness. The story unfolds through the lens of Paul, a young man grappling with the challenges of schizophrenia as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and friendship.
Guðmundsson’s masterful prose weaves a poignant tale of resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit amidst the struggles of mental health. He paints a vivid portrait of Iceland’s stark landscapes, mirroring the inner turmoil and emotional turmoil of the characters.
Angels of the Universe is a profound and moving exploration of the human condition, challenging readers to confront the stigma surrounding mental illness and embrace the complexities of the human mind.
Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2000
Arnaldur Indriðason’s Jar City is an atmospheric and suspenseful crime novel set in the gritty underbelly of Reykjavík, Iceland. Detective Erlendur Sveinsson investigates the brutal murder of a young woman, uncovering a dark underworld of drugs, prostitution, and violence. As he delves deeper into the case, Sveinsson finds himself haunted by the ghosts of his past and the city’s hidden secrets.
Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2001
Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2001 book cover
In the gritty world of Reykjavík’s underbelly, Detective Erlendur investigates the discovery of a skeleton during construction work, uncovering a long-buried secret that has haunted the city for decades.
Indriðason masterfully blends the past and present, weaving a tale of dark family secrets, buried truths, and the enduring power of the past to shape the present.
As Erlendur delves deeper into the investigation, he is forced to confront his own demons and the ghosts of his past, making Silence of the Grave a chilling and unforgettable crime novel.
Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, 2004
In Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir’s Butterflies in November, a woman’s solitary life in the Icelandic countryside is disrupted by the arrival of a stranger, leading to a poignant exploration of loneliness, connection, and the transformative power of friendship.
Set against the stark and unforgiving landscape of Iceland, Ólafsdóttir’s lyrical prose paints a vivid portrait of two individuals whose paths unexpectedly intertwine, offering a gentle meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the unexpected beauty that can blossom in the most unlikely of places.
Butterflies in November is a quiet yet profoundly moving story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection and the profound impact we can have on one another’s lives.
Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2005
In the midst of a harsh Icelandic winter, Detective Erlendur Sveinsson finds himself investigating a murder that has shattered the peace of a remote village. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of long-buried secrets and simmering tensions, threatening to tear the community apart.
Arctic Chill is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that masterfully blends suspense with psychological insight. Indriðason’s evocative descriptions of the Icelandic landscape perfectly capture the harsh beauty and isolation of the setting, creating a backdrop that is as unforgiving as the crimes that unfold within it.
Heaven and Hell by Jón Kalman Stefánsson, 2010
In the heart of rural Iceland, a young pastor grapples with his faith and the complexities of human nature as he confronts the harsh realities of life and death in this poignant novel by Jón Kalman Stefánsson.
Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic countryside, Heaven and Hell delves into the depths of the human spirit, examining themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Stefánsson’s prose is infused with a profound understanding of the human condition, creating a deeply moving and unforgettable story that resonates long after the final page.
Snowblind by Ragnar Jónasson, 2010
In the isolated town of Siglufjörður, nestled amidst the snow-covered mountains of Iceland, a series of bizarre events has shattered the peace of the community. When a young woman is found dead, Detective Ari Thór Arason is called in to investigate. As he uncovers a trail of cryptic clues, he finds himself drawn into a dark and mysterious world where nothing is as it seems.
Snowblind is a chilling and suspenseful crime novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. Jónasson’s evocative descriptions of the Icelandic landscape perfectly capture the isolation and claustrophobia of the setting, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread that hangs over the entire story.
Outrage by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2011
Outrage is a chilling and suspenseful crime novel that explores the dark side of human nature. When a young woman is found murdered in a remote village in Iceland, Detective Erlendur Sveinsson is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden resentments that threatens to tear the community apart.
Black Skies by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2012
In the midst of a harsh Icelandic winter, Detective Erlendur Sveinsson is called to investigate a series of bizarre murders that have shattered the peace of a remote village. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of long-buried secrets and simmering tensions, threatening to tear the community apart. Black Skies is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that masterfully blends suspense with psychological insight.
I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, 2012
A haunting tale set against the backdrop of Iceland’s stark and unforgiving landscape, I Remember You follows the interwoven stories of three women whose lives are intertwined by a dark secret buried deep within the island’s icy depths.
As the past resurfaces and the truth threatens to unravel, Sigurðardóttir weaves a gripping narrative that explores themes of memory, guilt, and the inescapable echoes of trauma.
Reykjavik Nights by Arnaldur Indriðason, 2012
Reykjavik Nights is a gripping crime novel set in the gritty underbelly of Iceland’s capital city. When a young woman is found murdered in a brutal attack, Detective Erlendur Sveinsson is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of dark secrets and hidden connections that lead him to the heart of Iceland’s criminal underworld.
Reykjavik Nights is a masterfully crafted crime novel that blends suspense with psychological insight. Indriðason’s evocative descriptions of Reykjavík’s nightlife perfectly capture the city’s energy and danger, creating a backdrop that is as unforgiving as the crimes that unfold within it.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, 2013
Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites is a haunting and atmospheric historical novel based on the true story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman to be executed in Iceland in 1829. Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s unforgiving landscape, the novel explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Agnes, a young woman accused of a double murder, finds herself trapped in a world of male-dominated power and superstition. As she awaits her fate, Agnes’s story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, revealing a life marked by hardship and betrayal. Through Agnes’s voice, Kent explores the complexities of human emotion and the forces that shape our destinies.
The Darkness: A Thriller by Ragnar Jónasson, 2015
Ragnar Jónasson’s The Darkness is a gripping and atmospheric thriller set in the icy streets of Reykjavík, Iceland. Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir, nearing retirement, is forced to investigate a long-cold case: the death of a young Russian woman found on the shore of a desolate fjord. As she delves deeper into the case, Hulda uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections that lead her to question everything she thought she knew. The Darkness is a masterfully crafted tale of suspense and intrigue that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Hotel Silence by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, 2016
In the remote village of Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, Hotel Silence stands as a silent monument to a bygone era. When a young woman named Unn arrives seeking employment at the hotel, she is drawn into its mysterious atmosphere and the secrets that lie hidden within its walls. Unn’s curiosity soon leads her to uncover a dark history that has haunted the hotel for decades, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Hotel Silence is a haunting and atmospheric tale that explores themes of loneliness, loss, and the power of the past. Ólafsdóttir’s evocative prose creates a vivid portrait of the Icelandic landscape, perfectly capturing the isolation and beauty of the setting.
The Island by Ragnar Jónasson, 2016
In the isolated town of Siglufjörður, nestled amidst the snow-covered mountains of Iceland, a young woman is found dead, her body discovered in a remote location. Detective Ari Thór Arason is assigned to the case, and as he begins his investigation, he finds himself drawn into a dark and mysterious world where nothing is as it seems. The Island is a chilling and suspenseful crime novel that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Miss Iceland by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, 2018
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir’s Miss Iceland is a darkly comic and thought-provoking novel that explores the beauty industry’s obsession with image and perfection. The story follows Hekla, a middle-aged woman who decides to enter the Miss Iceland beauty pageant in an attempt to reclaim her youth and self-confidence. As she prepares for the competition, Hekla confronts her own insecurities and the superficiality of the beauty standards that society imposes on women.
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And that’s our list of the twenty best Icelandic novels. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any Icelandic fiction not on this list that you feel should make the list?