Independent People in Read a book from each country

Apr 13, 2008 Smarti rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romaneab1900, literatur-nobelpreis, 1001-books

It has been a long time since I have read a book that has meant so much to me. This reading experience literally transported me to the harsh landscape of Iceland and I was right there with the characters. Bjartur, the lonesome farmer, self-proclaimed independent protagonist is a man full of mistery. It is easy to hate him but yet I think one needs to take into consideration the more than harsh circumstances. Ultimately, his aim to be independent and to raise an independent family is a noble one ...more

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Aug 24, 2008 Harry Rutherford rated it really liked it

Shelves: europe, around-the-world, scandinavia

Halldór Laxness was an Icelandic novelist (and, incidentally, winner of the Nobel Prize). Independent People was published in 1935, and this translation by J. A. Thompson was written in the 40s. It's the story of Bjartur, a stubborn, misanthropic sheep-farmer grinding out a primitive existence in hostile conditions, and obsessed with the idea of being independent.

It's not what you'd call a cheerful novel, though it does have its share of dark satirical humour, as when the city-born lady of the m ...more

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Jul 14, 2009 Edith Andersen rated it liked it

He can write, boy can he write. It's an insight into the life of Icelandic farmers, their hardship and one man's compelling desire to be independent. In many ways, a lesson for today's people is contained within. But the setting and characters, their toil, terror and struggles were difficult for me to spend hours and hours reading. But I prevailed--if that's good -not so sure. At least I can tell my oldest sister who suggested the book that I read it. Hopefully, she will leave it at that. ...more

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