In early times, say the Icelandic chronicles, men from the Western Islands came to live in this country, and when they departed, left behind them crosses, bells, and other objects used in the practice of sorcery.
So begins Independent People, or in the original Icelandic, Sjálfstætt Fólk or Self-standing Folk. The author, Halldór Laxness, won the [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Halldór Laxness’
Wanting Moor
Posted in Books, tagged fathers and daughters, Halldór Laxness, Iceland, independence, superstition on June 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
Independent People
Posted in Books, tagged Halldór Laxness, Iceland, independence, summer, winter on June 8, 2008 | 2 Comments »
There couldn’t be a better time to read Halldór Laxness’ Independent People. I’m finding the world of an Icelandic sheep farmer cooling to this mid-westerner in the throes of a prematurely hot summer. Yesterday, mowing the lawn in 90 degrees, I tried to imagine reindeer riding in order to summon wintry images. I also thought [...]