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RÓSA
Höfundur Guðrún Sigríður Sæmundsen
Fyrir fjórum árum gekk Rósa í gegnum mikinn harmleik. Niðurbæld ofsareiði og minningabrot ryðjast smám saman upp á yfirborðið. Skyndilega eiga ógnvænlegir atburðir sér stað og Rósa sogast inn í framvindu sem hún hefur enga stjórn á. Hverjum getur hún treyst? Er henni sjálfri treystandi?
Rósa er fyrsta flokks sálfræðitryllir sem rígheldur lesandanum allt fram á síðustu blaðsíðu.
Fyrir fjórum árum gekk Rósa í gegnum mikinn harmleik. Niðurbæld ofsareiði og minningabrot ryðjast smám saman upp á yfirborðið. Skyndilega eiga ógnvænlegir atburðir sér stað og Rósa sogast inn í framvindu sem hún hefur enga stjórn á. Hverjum getur hún treyst? Er henni sjálfri treystandi?
Rósa er fyrsta flokks sálfræðitryllir sem rígheldur lesandanum allt fram á síðustu blaðsíðu.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 24, 2024
"Rósa" by Guðrún Sigríður Sæmundsen is a mesmerizing novel that masterfully crafts a nuanced and introspective narrative which excavates the intricate landscapes of the human experience, the labyrinthine complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
Set against the austere, yet majestic backdrop of rural Iceland, the harsh yet breathtaking landscape mirrors the protagonist's inner turmoil profoundly.
The story revolves around Rósa, a young woman from a troubled home, grapples with her own identity, desires, and sense of belonging. Rósa's odyssey is a poignant and powerful exploration of intergenerational trauma, the interstices between personal and collective memory, where the silences and secrets of her family's past converge with the imperatives of her own burgeoning identity.
Through Rósa's journey, the author tenderly exposes the complexities of female experiences in a patriarchal society, where women's voices are often silenced or marginalized, and she sheds light on female desires, and vulnerabilities too.
Sæmundsen's lyrical prose weaves together elements of of Icelandic folklore, mythology, and the country's stark natural beauty, creating a rich tapestry that underscores the novel's themes of identity, community.
The characters are richly drawn, with Rósa's voice shining bright in its quiet intensity. Sæmundsen's writing is evocative, precise, and gentle.
Björg Árnadóttir's meticulous translation provides the readers with the essence of originality and comprehensibility.
With its deliberate pace, facile prose, and profound philosophical insights, "Rósa" is a triumph of literary fiction, a novel that will
leave an everlasting impression within the readers
Set against the austere, yet majestic backdrop of rural Iceland, the harsh yet breathtaking landscape mirrors the protagonist's inner turmoil profoundly.
The story revolves around Rósa, a young woman from a troubled home, grapples with her own identity, desires, and sense of belonging. Rósa's odyssey is a poignant and powerful exploration of intergenerational trauma, the interstices between personal and collective memory, where the silences and secrets of her family's past converge with the imperatives of her own burgeoning identity.
Through Rósa's journey, the author tenderly exposes the complexities of female experiences in a patriarchal society, where women's voices are often silenced or marginalized, and she sheds light on female desires, and vulnerabilities too.
Sæmundsen's lyrical prose weaves together elements of of Icelandic folklore, mythology, and the country's stark natural beauty, creating a rich tapestry that underscores the novel's themes of identity, community.
The characters are richly drawn, with Rósa's voice shining bright in its quiet intensity. Sæmundsen's writing is evocative, precise, and gentle.
Björg Árnadóttir's meticulous translation provides the readers with the essence of originality and comprehensibility.
With its deliberate pace, facile prose, and profound philosophical insights, "Rósa" is a triumph of literary fiction, a novel that will
leave an everlasting impression within the readers
July 3, 2024
I like to try something out of my comfort zone from time to time when I want a break from romance, and this physiological thriller was a refreshing read! If you enjoy Verity by CoHo you will like this one!
The writing is fast paced and seamless, which was a positive surprise considering it was translated from Icelandic literature. It focuses on the story of two friends, Rosa and Diana, told in multiple POV as well as with flashbacks to their past. Without a doubt Dianas chapters were my favorites. She’s a social media influencer, which I found fun to relate to, with a newborn baby (also like me) and has a stalker 😱I felt at the edge of my seat while reading about her! Rosa’s chapters I had a bit difficulty with, since she is dealing with depression after child loss, her pages have a much darker undertone and mix reality with her subconscious. The reader isn’t sure what is real and what is just in her mind. The friendship dynamic between the two is also intriguing since they appear to be two completely different people.
A gripping novel with shocking plot twists that will have you turning pages 👀
The writing is fast paced and seamless, which was a positive surprise considering it was translated from Icelandic literature. It focuses on the story of two friends, Rosa and Diana, told in multiple POV as well as with flashbacks to their past. Without a doubt Dianas chapters were my favorites. She’s a social media influencer, which I found fun to relate to, with a newborn baby (also like me) and has a stalker 😱I felt at the edge of my seat while reading about her! Rosa’s chapters I had a bit difficulty with, since she is dealing with depression after child loss, her pages have a much darker undertone and mix reality with her subconscious. The reader isn’t sure what is real and what is just in her mind. The friendship dynamic between the two is also intriguing since they appear to be two completely different people.
A gripping novel with shocking plot twists that will have you turning pages 👀
May 29, 2022
Lang, lang, langbesta íslenska bókin sem kom út fyrir jólin 2021 - af þeim sem ég hef lesið. Afhverju er aldrei talað um hana, og afhverju fékk hún engin verðlaun? Samanborið við hinar (Höggið, Úti, Horfnar osfrv) þá væri alveg eðlilegt að gefa Rósa 5 stjörnur til að undirstrika gæðamismuninn, en fyrir mig persónulega finnst mér 4* sanngjarnt. Það er hreinlega ekki orði ofaukið í þessari bók, hún er fljótlesin og ánægjuleg. Engin tilgerð í textanum og samtölin eru mjög eðlileg. Bara allt eitthvað svo vel gert. Í endann þakkar höfundurinn foreldrum sínum og fleirum fyrir að hafa lesið handritið yfir og passað að það væri eins vel úr garði gert og kostur var á, og það sást svo innilega.
April 21, 2024
Recently I've read a few books from authors who are new to me and this one was the one I enjoyed the most!
It was actually quite compelling and quick to read. The storyline was easy to understand and to follow.
I myself didn't like Rósa that much but that doesn't mean she wasn't one of the most interesting characters I've read about in quite awhile.
Her story was actually really interesting and made me think along a lot.
What I can say is that this book will keep it's promise and it is that there is indeed an unexpected twist. I was thinking about it a lot because it was a kinda like a promise on the cover so I was surprised that it was still little unexpected.
This book just might be the one that I will read again in the future because it was a good read.
Would easily recommend to everyone who enjoy a quick thrilling novel on the go 😉
It was actually quite compelling and quick to read. The storyline was easy to understand and to follow.
I myself didn't like Rósa that much but that doesn't mean she wasn't one of the most interesting characters I've read about in quite awhile.
Her story was actually really interesting and made me think along a lot.
What I can say is that this book will keep it's promise and it is that there is indeed an unexpected twist. I was thinking about it a lot because it was a kinda like a promise on the cover so I was surprised that it was still little unexpected.
This book just might be the one that I will read again in the future because it was a good read.
Would easily recommend to everyone who enjoy a quick thrilling novel on the go 😉
June 26, 2024
I’ve been in such a m*rder mystery/psychological thriller mood lately, and my recent fave in this genre is this one — literally such a treat of a book. My attention was completely captured until I devoured every page. I haven’t felt immersed in a thriller novel in this way for so long, so this proved to be at once a gripping and powerful read.
When Guðrún presented me with the opportunity to cosplay one of the book’s central characters, Díana, I felt so honored because I found her to be a particularly relatable, but also chilling character. The dynamics between Rósa and her closest friend were fascinating to watch unfold, and even sometimes horrifying, yet so believable. The ending presented SUCH an unexpected turn, I had to go back and make sure I read the last few pages right--I literally couldn't believe my own eyes.
The highlight for me overall was the fact that I was wholly enraptured and engrossed in the narrative, feeling like I had a good grip on it all, but could not ever guess what was coming next! Another impressive aspect of this book is that it is a translated work, and it was done so masterfully—this author has such a wonderful writing style and I highly recommend this gem of a read!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed above belong entirely to me.
When Guðrún presented me with the opportunity to cosplay one of the book’s central characters, Díana, I felt so honored because I found her to be a particularly relatable, but also chilling character. The dynamics between Rósa and her closest friend were fascinating to watch unfold, and even sometimes horrifying, yet so believable. The ending presented SUCH an unexpected turn, I had to go back and make sure I read the last few pages right--I literally couldn't believe my own eyes.
The highlight for me overall was the fact that I was wholly enraptured and engrossed in the narrative, feeling like I had a good grip on it all, but could not ever guess what was coming next! Another impressive aspect of this book is that it is a translated work, and it was done so masterfully—this author has such a wonderful writing style and I highly recommend this gem of a read!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed above belong entirely to me.
May 9, 2024
When Guðrún approached me with the opportunity to read her first English-translated work, I eagerly accepted. As someone new to Icelandic literature, I was intrigued by the prospect of immersing myself in this psychological thriller.
Despite only being 257 pages, the narrative was rich and intricate, drawing me into its psychological depths.
Rósa nor Diana emerged as particularly likable characters, but their complexities kept me engaged throughout. One aspect that particularly impressed me was the portrayal of the social media influencer phenomenon within the story. Guðrún skillfully navigated this, adding layers of realism and relevance to the narrative.
The translation of the novel deserves special commendation. The prose flowed seamlessly.
As the story unfolded, I found myself swept up in its twists and turns. The unexpected revelation took me by surprise, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already gripping plot. I am eager to explore Guðrún’s other works, hopeful that they too will be translated in the future.
Despite only being 257 pages, the narrative was rich and intricate, drawing me into its psychological depths.
Rósa nor Diana emerged as particularly likable characters, but their complexities kept me engaged throughout. One aspect that particularly impressed me was the portrayal of the social media influencer phenomenon within the story. Guðrún skillfully navigated this, adding layers of realism and relevance to the narrative.
The translation of the novel deserves special commendation. The prose flowed seamlessly.
As the story unfolded, I found myself swept up in its twists and turns. The unexpected revelation took me by surprise, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already gripping plot. I am eager to explore Guðrún’s other works, hopeful that they too will be translated in the future.
July 21, 2024
I enjoyed this title! I forget how much I absolutely love mystery thrillers. This story is perfect for lovers of reads such as The Silent Patient (one of my all time favorites) and Murder on the orient express. I was enthralled with the suspense and the whodunnit story!
Rosa was an interesting character. She recently lost her fiancé’s and is on a mission to find out who is to blame for his demise. I was so intrigued by the dynamic between Rosa and her best friend, it had me questioning everything. The way the author unravels the story makes you wonder about every single detail and motive, which is one of my favorite parts about the genre.
I love when a mystery has the right pacing and additions to the plot, the author delivered exactly that. The story was translated perfectly to English, I had no trouble following the plot. Another detail I absolutely loved seeing was that the author gives us postpartum depression rep, not many times do we get to see that in books. Rosa’s POV were heavier to read because of her depression and loss. The twist was absolutely insane! I won’t leave details to not spoil but I was truly delighted by the wrap up of the story.
Looking forward to reading more from this author! Huge thanks for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
Rosa was an interesting character. She recently lost her fiancé’s and is on a mission to find out who is to blame for his demise. I was so intrigued by the dynamic between Rosa and her best friend, it had me questioning everything. The way the author unravels the story makes you wonder about every single detail and motive, which is one of my favorite parts about the genre.
I love when a mystery has the right pacing and additions to the plot, the author delivered exactly that. The story was translated perfectly to English, I had no trouble following the plot. Another detail I absolutely loved seeing was that the author gives us postpartum depression rep, not many times do we get to see that in books. Rosa’s POV were heavier to read because of her depression and loss. The twist was absolutely insane! I won’t leave details to not spoil but I was truly delighted by the wrap up of the story.
Looking forward to reading more from this author! Huge thanks for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2024
Rosa’s fiancé and the father of her child was murdered a few years ago. She is on a journey trying to figure out what really happened. She starts to question everything happening to her and what went down in the past. keeps you at the edge of the seat kind of a thriller. I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t, which made it hard to predict where the book was going.
July 24, 2024
This book is a binge worthy shorter read. Definitely a psychological thriller and kept me on the edge of my seat. We center around Rósa and her seeking answers to things that have happened in her life, like the murder of her fiancé. I loved the friendship story between her and Díana. It reminded me of the journey of friendship through the years of my own. How life changed things and emotional traumas as well. Definitely a mental health rep book and something that dives into healing ones self. If you enjoyed books like Verity, you’ll enjoy this one. Lots of twists and turns.
February 16, 2022
Sálfræðitryllir sem hélt mér fastri. Mæli með að gleypa hana í einum rykki. Hlakka til að sjá meira frá höfundi.
November 15, 2024
I recently finished Rósa by Guðrún Sigríður Sæmundsen, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. From the very first page, the tension is palpable, drawing you into the mind of Rósa, the protagonist, whose life has been turned upside down by a traumatic event. The novel unfolds like a puzzle—piece by piece, Rósa’s past and present collide, creating a gripping narrative that had me hooked.
At the heart of the story is Rósa’s struggle with her memories and her sense of reality. She’s been carrying the weight of a tragedy for years, and the more she tries to uncover the truth about what happened to her ex-fiancé, the more she begins to question her own mind. The psychological depth of the novel is one of its strongest elements. Rósa isn’t just trying to solve a mystery—she’s fighting with her own perception of the world, which makes her journey both fascinating and heartbreaking.
The character of Rósa is beautifully complex. She’s not a perfect hero or a straightforward victim, but rather someone who feels incredibly real in her vulnerability, confusion, and strength. Her emotional turmoil, her struggles with trust, and her sense of isolation are so well-done that I felt as though I was living inside her mind. The slow reveal of her past and the unraveling of her psyche kept me turning pages, wondering what was real and what was imagined.
Rósa’s relationships are also a significant part of the story. Her best friend Díana plays an important role, and it’s clear from the start that their friendship isn’t as simple as it seems. There’s an undercurrent of tension between them, a mix of love, jealousy, and unspoken competition that really adds to the complexity of the narrative. It’s interesting to see how time and hidden secrets can slowly change the course of even the closest friendships.
The novel touches on themes like mental health, grief, and the search for redemption. The way the author weaves these themes into the plot is masterful, making this more than just a thriller. It’s a story about the fragility of the human mind and how the past can shape who we become. The psychological aspects are explored in such a way that you can’t help but reflect on your own experiences with loss, memory, and identity.
The twists in this book were unexpected and left me stunned. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, something would shift, and I’d find myself questioning everything again. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you invested without overwhelming you with too much information all at once.
I have to say, I wasn’t prepared for how emotional the ending would be. It wasn’t just about the mystery—it was about Rósa finding a sense of peace, or at least understanding, after everything she’s been through. In a way, it felt like a cathartic release, not only for Rósa but for the reader too.
Overall, it is a deeply moving psychological thriller that I can’t recommend enough to fans of the genre. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading, and it’s one of those books that makes you appreciate how intricate and unpredictable the human mind can be.
At the heart of the story is Rósa’s struggle with her memories and her sense of reality. She’s been carrying the weight of a tragedy for years, and the more she tries to uncover the truth about what happened to her ex-fiancé, the more she begins to question her own mind. The psychological depth of the novel is one of its strongest elements. Rósa isn’t just trying to solve a mystery—she’s fighting with her own perception of the world, which makes her journey both fascinating and heartbreaking.
The character of Rósa is beautifully complex. She’s not a perfect hero or a straightforward victim, but rather someone who feels incredibly real in her vulnerability, confusion, and strength. Her emotional turmoil, her struggles with trust, and her sense of isolation are so well-done that I felt as though I was living inside her mind. The slow reveal of her past and the unraveling of her psyche kept me turning pages, wondering what was real and what was imagined.
Rósa’s relationships are also a significant part of the story. Her best friend Díana plays an important role, and it’s clear from the start that their friendship isn’t as simple as it seems. There’s an undercurrent of tension between them, a mix of love, jealousy, and unspoken competition that really adds to the complexity of the narrative. It’s interesting to see how time and hidden secrets can slowly change the course of even the closest friendships.
The novel touches on themes like mental health, grief, and the search for redemption. The way the author weaves these themes into the plot is masterful, making this more than just a thriller. It’s a story about the fragility of the human mind and how the past can shape who we become. The psychological aspects are explored in such a way that you can’t help but reflect on your own experiences with loss, memory, and identity.
The twists in this book were unexpected and left me stunned. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, something would shift, and I’d find myself questioning everything again. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you invested without overwhelming you with too much information all at once.
I have to say, I wasn’t prepared for how emotional the ending would be. It wasn’t just about the mystery—it was about Rósa finding a sense of peace, or at least understanding, after everything she’s been through. In a way, it felt like a cathartic release, not only for Rósa but for the reader too.
Overall, it is a deeply moving psychological thriller that I can’t recommend enough to fans of the genre. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading, and it’s one of those books that makes you appreciate how intricate and unpredictable the human mind can be.
September 29, 2024
🎀"RÓSA" is a gripping psychological thriller that dives deep into the complexities of friendship and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. 🌫️ The story follows Rósa, who struggles to distinguish what's real in her life, especially when her seemingly perfect best friend, Díana, is involved. As Rósa tries to uncover the truth about past events, she becomes entangled in a web of confusion and doubt. 🕵️♀️
When her ex-fiancé Elvar is found murdered, Rósa’s world spirals out of control. 😱 She starts to question everything, including her own innocence. The suspense builds as she digs deeper into her memories, unsure if she can trust herself. The novel explores how easily our minds can deceive us and how friendships can turn toxic over time. 💔
💖Author brilliantly portrays the fragile nature of the human psyche, touching on themes like mental health, jealousy, and the desire for acceptance. The friendship between Rósa and Díana highlights how time and circumstances can change people, leading to emotional distance and hidden resentment. The story keeps you on edge, making you wonder what’s real and what’s a product of Rósa’s imagination. 🤯
📝In conclusion, "RÓSA" is a thrilling read that keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and deep emotional layers.💫
🌈 It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys exploring the darker side of the human mind. 🌈
When her ex-fiancé Elvar is found murdered, Rósa’s world spirals out of control. 😱 She starts to question everything, including her own innocence. The suspense builds as she digs deeper into her memories, unsure if she can trust herself. The novel explores how easily our minds can deceive us and how friendships can turn toxic over time. 💔
💖Author brilliantly portrays the fragile nature of the human psyche, touching on themes like mental health, jealousy, and the desire for acceptance. The friendship between Rósa and Díana highlights how time and circumstances can change people, leading to emotional distance and hidden resentment. The story keeps you on edge, making you wonder what’s real and what’s a product of Rósa’s imagination. 🤯
📝In conclusion, "RÓSA" is a thrilling read that keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and deep emotional layers.💫
🌈 It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys exploring the darker side of the human mind. 🌈
July 18, 2024
What a fascinating read! Rosa is a young woman struggling with what is real in her current and past life. She has one friend from childhood that she always relied on and felt close to - Diana. However, Diana has her own life now and things have not been the same between them for a long time. Rosa has had past tragedy and trauma that also make it difficult for her to cope. When Elvar, her ex-fiance and the father of her child is found dead, Rosa’s reality begins to blur even more.
The writing is executed in such a way that I felt like I was watching scenes from a movie. Various points of view were also integral to the story. I enjoyed reading from both Rosa’s and Diana’s perspectives. Many times Rosa’s musings are like a fever dream. This helped solidify the increasing severity of Rosa’s distressing thoughts and missed days or hours. The author was good at describing a painful, heartbreaking descent of an unraveling mind.
Overall, I like the book and am recommending it to others. This book is powerful, chilling, and surreal. Due to mature themes, I recommend this book for adults only. If you like thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, do yourself a favor and read this book immediately!
The writing is executed in such a way that I felt like I was watching scenes from a movie. Various points of view were also integral to the story. I enjoyed reading from both Rosa’s and Diana’s perspectives. Many times Rosa’s musings are like a fever dream. This helped solidify the increasing severity of Rosa’s distressing thoughts and missed days or hours. The author was good at describing a painful, heartbreaking descent of an unraveling mind.
Overall, I like the book and am recommending it to others. This book is powerful, chilling, and surreal. Due to mature themes, I recommend this book for adults only. If you like thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, do yourself a favor and read this book immediately!
March 13, 2024
Didn’t know what to expect and was happily surprised. Very intuitive and thrilling at the same time. It should have been recognised better when it came out, I only read it now and will probably read it again… I love the feminine touch of the writer, very well written in Icelandic, hopefully the english version gives it justice!
March 9, 2024
The book holds your attention and the author has a rich talent in creating realistic dialogues. Also, getting an inside look into the world of a social media influencer was something I hadn't seen in literature before.
March 9, 2024
A great thriller... I recommend reading it on a quiet night because most likely you will not want to put it down until you have finished the whole story! It's so good that I have both read it and listened to it in Icelandic on Storytel!
March 9, 2024
An exceptional narrative and a great plot. The excitment kept me on the edge until the end!
March 10, 2024
Very good, take me with it and it´s like you are in the book your self or watching a movie. Could not stop until it was finished, needed to know....
March 26, 2024
A thrilling page turner. Not the author’s first book but certainly my favorite. Will read again. Highly recommended. Can’t wait for more content from this interesting young author.
July 21, 2024
Not a thriller book fan, but definitely enjoyed this one. The authors writing was super easy to get into and it was a fast read. Check TW before you start.
June 1, 2024
Unreliable narrator - ✅
Surreal feeling throughout - ✅
Walking away not fully understanding - ✅
Enjoying it anyway - ✅
Surreal feeling throughout - ✅
Walking away not fully understanding - ✅
Enjoying it anyway - ✅
April 19, 2024
I have recently been delving into the Icelandic literary world and stumbled across ‘Rosa’ I most recently read ‘Atom Station’ by Laxness and ‘Heaven and Hell’ by Stefansson and really wanted to carry on on my journey. What can I say this book had me at the edge of my seat. One scene in particular really had me looking around for the light switch. I fantastic piece of work and I really can’t wait to see what Gudrun gives us next. Once you read the first line you just need to know more. 5 stars out of 5 great read indeed.
Andy (truckingatnight)
Andy (truckingatnight)
March 13, 2024
This was an unexpected riveting read! I was hooked and left guessing until the end. Some really interesting characters, I was totally invested. A must for psychological thriller fans!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews