Independent People

By: Halldór Laxness

Narrated by: Michael Page

This magnificent novel - which secured for its author the 1955 Nobel Prize in Literature - is now available to contemporary American audiences. Although it is set in the early 20th century, it recalls both Iceland's medieval epics and such classics as Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. And if Bjartur of Summerhouses, the book's protagonist, is an ordinary sheep farmer, his flinty determination to achieve independence is genuinely heroic and, at the same time, terrifying and bleakly comic.

Having spent 18 years in humiliating servitude, Bjartur wants nothing more than to raise his flocks unbeholden to any man. But Bjartur's spirited daughter wants to live unbeholden to him. What ensues is a battle of wills that is by turns harsh and touching, elemental in its emotional intensity, and intimate in its homely detail. Vast in scope and deeply rewarding, Independent People is a masterpiece.

©1946 Halldór Laxness (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A huge, skaldic treat filled with satire, humor, pathos, cold weather and sheep." ( Publishers Weekly)

Útligangur

Svooo Gött, a novel about a human journey of what an Icelandic horse might experience in their life from a perspective of a stubborn Icelandic father, spouse, and widow. Almost reminds me of Leppaluði’s great escape from Gringle Peace on earth. No wonder the Halldór received the Nobel Prize in Literature. The narrator and translators should get one too for their graceful and humorous translation. Hopefully Icelandic school children can recover from the 1970 - 2010 torture of Icelandic school children across the country.

Long, Slow, Mostly Depressing

I’ve dropped in on this book for long periods and when it was plodding too much, went onto other things.

I learned a lot about Iceland around the time I was born, as well as its history, during our cold, wet winter nights.

There’s some good humor in it occasionally but you have to pay close attention so you don’t miss it.

I do wish male narrators could refrain from voicing all females with what I imagine dolls would sound like, or faeries.

How one man can make many so miserable...

Nowadays the main character, Bjartur would be diagnosed as a Sociopath; self-righteous, egotistical and with no conscience. He is so self centered that he makes the lives of those close to him miserable. Of course in the end--out of character--he shows some compassion; but one wonders if this is probably self-serving too.

So from the point of view that he is a memorable character, I assume that is the reason the book has been given rave reviews and awards. But for me it was arduous to get through.

a wonderful saga of Iceland and it's early sheep farmers.

the story gave the perspective of the people who settled the land and their struggles to make a living. Realistic portrayal of of an stoic Icelandic man and his family and community in the late 1800 and early 1900.

Insight into Iceland's Culture and History

Great narration, compelling story. A bit depressing but also an insightful glimpse into Icelandic culture and history.