From the Bookshelf of Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die…
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When I started reading this one I thought I was in for an ordeal. It starts slowly and I struggled somewhat with the Icelandic names, but once the pages started to be numbered in the three digits I found that I was held in thrall by the main character, Bjartur. I honestly detested the man and the ruinous effect his obstinacy had on the lives of the creatures that depended on him. Bjartur is by turns churlish and heroic, profane and poetic, but unfailingly fatalistic in his philosophy and tough t
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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
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Mar 15, 2012
Deanne
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
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Brilliant story set in iceland at the end of the 19th century and past WWI. The main character is stubborn, a hard man, but one who wants to be independent. Not only does he want independence, he wants it for his children. A family saga which contains family members you can care about, plus there's the interest of a story set in the icelandic countryside.
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Tour de force. He won the nobel prize the year he wrote this.
Aug 03, 2016
hhhhhhhhh
marked it as to-read
Feb 05, 2018
Idit
marked it as to-read
Aug 07, 2023
Dianna
marked it as to-read
Sep 09, 2023
Deedee
marked it as to-read
Oct 24, 2024
Peggy
marked it as to-read
