Subject
Iceland -- Fiction Books
Best books
Pierre Loti
An Iceland Fisherman
"An Iceland Fisherman" by Pierre Loti is a novel published in 1886. It follows Breton fishermen who sail each summer to the dangerous Iceland cod grounds, depicting their romantic yet inevitably sad lives. Loti combines French realism with literary impressionism, using simple vocabulary to awaken deep sensations. The novel features humble working-class characters facing everyday incidents of love and separation, but its greatest strength lies in its striking depictions of nature as an all-powerful, blind force dominating the drama of human life.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
Eric Brighteyes
"Eric Brighteyes" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1891. Set in 10th-century Iceland, it follows Eric Thorgrimursson as he battles to win the hand of Gudruda the Fair against her father's opposition. His quest becomes perilous when Gudruda's half-sister Swanhild, a sorceress who desires Eric for herself, unleashes deadly intrigues and treachery. Written as an early pastiche of saga literature, this epic Viking tale blends violent conflict with Norse mysticism in a doom-laden adventure.
Pierre Loti
Pêcheur d'Islande
"Pêcheur d'Islande" by Pierre Loti is a novel published in 1886. It tells the story of Gaud Mével, a young Breton woman from a comfortable background, who falls in love with Yann Gaos, a humble fisherman who spends months each year on dangerous fishing expeditions to Iceland. While Gaud's feelings grow during his absences, Yann remains distant. Their romance unfolds against the rhythms of the sea, which shapes their lives and destinies in this tale of love, longing, and the perils faced by Breton fishing communities.
Victor Hugo
Hans of Iceland, Vol. 2 of 2; The Last Day of a Condemned
"Hans of Iceland, Vol. 2 of 2; The Last Day of a Condemned" by Victor Hugo is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative is set against a backdrop of rebellion in Iceland, focusing on the tumultuous interactions of characters such as Lieutenant Randmer, Captain Lory, and the infamous uprising leader known as Hans of Iceland. The story captures the struggles of loyalty, love, and the harsh realities of war, alongside the personal dilemmas faced by individuals who are caught in the crossfire of social and political upheaval. The opening of "Hans of Iceland" introduces a regiment of musketeers moving through a cold, rugged landscape, marked by the somber moods of its weary soldiers. Lieutenant Randmer attempts to lighten the mood, but his conversation with Captain Lory reveals deep sorrow over personal loss, stemming from the devastation of war and its impacts on relationships. As they traverse the terrain, ominous rumors swirl surrounding the legendary Hans of Iceland, who is feared as a terrifying figure among the rebels. Meanwhile, Ordener Guldenlew grapples with despair in his quest to rescue Ethel, the daughter of a captive, and struggles with the complications that arise in his mission. This establishes a foundation of tension, loyalty, and the haunting consequences of conflict that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Hall Caine
The Prodigal Son
"The Prodigal Son" by Sir Hall Caine is a novel published in 1904. Set in rural Iceland with scenes in London and the French Riviera, it tells the story of Magnus, who discovers on his wedding day that his bride Thora loves his brother Oscar, a composer. After Magnus releases her, Thora marries Oscar. When tragedy strikes, Oscar makes a desperate decision about his musical compositions that leads to a haunting act of retrieval.
Victor Hugo
Hans of Iceland, Vol. 1 of 2
"Hans of Iceland, Vol. 1 of 2" by Victor Hugo is a Gothic historical novel published in 1823. Set in 1699 Norway, the story follows young nobleman Ordener Guldenlew as he ventures into the wild north to find the savage Hans of Iceland—a merciless killer accompanied by a white bear who murders all in his path. Ordener seeks vital documents to save his beloved Ethel's disgraced father, while sinister conspirators plot treason and a miners' revolt threatens to explode across the realm.
Gunnar Gunnarsson
Guest the One-Eyed
"Guest the One-Eyed" by Gunnar Gunnarsson is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of struggle and community through the lens of Icelandic life, focusing on characters facing both personal and societal challenges. The narrative centers around Pall à Seyru, a poor peasant grappling with despair during a harsh winter, and Ormarr, a young boy dealing with the complexities of growing up in the shadow of his father's expectations. At the start of the story, Pall is seen trudging through deep snow, burdened by the emptiness of his sack, a metaphor for his dire circumstances amidst the festive season. This encounter sets the stage for the character dynamics that unfold. Ormarr, reflecting on his mother's death and his father's desire for him to take over the family estate, finds solace in music. Their paths intertwine as Ormarr's kind-heartedness leads him to share his meager catch with Pall, an act of compassion against a backdrop of poverty. Together, the opening chapters lay the groundwork for a narrative rich with emotional depth and moral conflicts, portraying the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of adversity.
Gunnar Gunnarsson
The Sworn Brothers: A Tale of the Early Days of Iceland
"The Sworn Brothers: A Tale of the Early Days of Iceland" by Gunnar Gunnarsson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in ancient Iceland and revolves around the lives of Orn, a warrior, and his son Ingolf, alongside their kinsman Leif. The narrative explores themes of honor, familial loyalty, and the struggles faced during a tumultuous period, as the characters navigate their relationships with one another and the looming threats in their world. The opening of the tale sets a dark and contemplative atmosphere as it introduces the hall where Orn, the patriarch, sits in silence, surrounded by his men and the omnipresent deities represented in the wooden pillars of the high-seat. It describes the tension felt among the characters as they sense impending trouble in the land. Ingolf, a young boy with a strong sense of duty, grapples with his responsibilities and the honor of his family lineage, while he also shares a close bond with Leif, who expels a carefree yet reckless spirit. As the opening progresses, it establishes a backdrop of familial strife and the challenges of growing up in a world fraught with dangers and expectations, setting the stage for their adventures and misadventures to unfold.
Hall Caine
The Bondman: A New Saga
"The Bondman: A New Saga" by Sir Hall Caine is a novel published in 1890. Set between the Isle of Man and Iceland, it tells the story of two half-brothers bound by opposing oaths: Jason seeks vengeance for their father's wrongs, while Michael strives to make amends. When both fall in love with the same woman, their destinies collide across political revolutions, natural disasters, and personal upheavals. Their intertwined fates lead toward a final act of sacrifice and redemption.
Pierre Loti
Islannin kalastajat
"Islannin kalastajat" by Pierre Loti is a novel published in 1886. It follows Breton fishermen who journey each summer to Iceland's treacherous cod-fishing grounds. The story portrays their romantic yet melancholic lives through Loti's impressionistic style, blending realism with poetic sensibility. Nature dominates as a powerful, indifferent force shaping the humble characters' everyday struggles with love and separation. The novel has inspired multiple adaptations, including stage productions, a symphonic poem, and three film versions.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Waif Woman
"The Waif Woman" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a short novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of the author's later works during his life. This tale, influenced by Icelandic sagas, delves into themes of vanity, greed, and the supernatural, as it explores the dynamics of human relationships through complex female characters and their interactions within a pastoral setting. The story follows Aud, a shallow woman consumed by envy and desire, who becomes fixated on the fine possessions of Thorgunna, a mysterious and strong-willed waif woman who arrives on a ship. Upon inviting Thorgunna into her home, Aud seeks to acquire her treasures through manipulation and deceit. As the plot unfolds, Thorgunna dies under unsettling circumstances, leaving behind a dark legacy. Aud's greed culminates in tragic consequences as she reaps the curse of Thorgunna’s wrath, leading to her own demise. The narrative intricately weaves issues of identity, mortality, and the repercussions of avarice, culminating in a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion.
Hall Caine
Tuhlaajapoika
"Tuhlaajapoika" by Sir Hall Caine is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in Iceland, the story likely follows the personal and emotional journeys of its central character, Thora Nielsen, as she navigates relationships and societal expectations. The narrative hints at themes of love, cultural heritage, and familial bonds, particularly involving Thora's connections with two brothers, Magnus and Oskar, reflecting the complexities of their interactions. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the vibrant setting of Iceland, where Thora awakens to prepare for the annual lamb gathering at Thingvellir. As the sun rises, we encounter her spirited personality in her lively interactions with her aunt, Margret, and her anticipation of a reunion with Magnus, who has been chosen as the "Mountain King." Meanwhile, the narrative provides character insights into other figures in Thora's life, particularly her relationship with Oskar, portraying a distinctive dynamic that foreshadows potential romantic tensions and the unfolding of personal ambitions amidst the picturesque yet demanding Icelandic landscape.
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