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You Are Here: Home > History Books > Iceland History > Item 188
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Iceland's Bell
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by Halldor Laxness and Philip Roughton
Sales Rank: 318080
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List Price: $15.95
$10.85
At Amazon
on 11-27-2008.
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Features
Cover Type: Paperback with 448 pages
Published by: Vintage October 14, 2003
Written in: English
ISBN 10 Number: 1400034256
ISBN 13 Number: 978-1400034253
Book Dimensions:
7.9 x 5.1 x 1 inches
Weighs: 11.4 ounces
Product Review
?Laxness has genuine magic as a novelist.? ?New York Herald Tribune
?Laxness is a poet who writes to the edge of the pages, a visionary who allows us a plot: He takes a Tolstoyan overview, he weaves in an Evelyn Waugh-like humor; it is not possible to be unimpressed.? ?Daily Telegraph -- Review
Product Review
“Laxness has genuine magic as a novelist.” –New York Herald Tribune
“Laxness is a poet who writes to the edge of the pages, a visionary who allows us a plot: He takes a Tolstoyan overview, he weaves in an Evelyn Waugh-like humor; it is not possible to be unimpressed.” –Daily Telegraph
Reader Reviews
In true fashion to the skill of Halldor Laxness, ICELAND'S BELL paints a grim and desolate portrait of Iceland at the end of the 17th century. Iceland is a Danish colony and suffers from famine and a small pox epidemic that leaves this small island nation barely standing. What's more, Denmark has continuously benefited financially from a trade monopoly that prohibits Icelanders from trading with any other nations, especially the Dutch. Iceland's situation is not the only story of turmoil in Scandinavia; Denmark and Sweden are constantly at war. In the midst of all these socio-political issues three principle characters struggle with their individual livelihoods in ICELAND'S BELLS. Jon Hreggvidsson is a petty theft who is sentenced to be beheaded for ridiculing the Danish King in public. Laxness's portrayal of the plight of Jon Hreggvidsson is colorful and full of wit and dark humor. He is certainly a character that is difficult to hate even though he commits violent acts and has no regard for his family back home. Another principle character is Snaefridur who is often regarded as the most beautiful woman in Iceland. She is married to a drunk who manages to get himself in many funny situations such as selling his wife for a drink of liquor. The lives of Hreggvidsson and Snaefridur intertwine several times throughout the course of the novel in truly unique manners. The third principle character is Arnas Arnaeus who is determined to save and preserve all the old manuscripts of Icelandic history and literature but despite his good intentions Arenaeus's life is never as noble as he had wished. He is determined to be an advocate to the Icelandic people, but in the end he is an unlikely hero for Iceland. With the constant references to Icelandic sagas throughout the novel one wonders if Laxness intended to write a saga of his own. He frequently used Latin phrases, and I was thankful that there was an index in the back which described in detail the meanings. One of this novel's biggest strengths besides the bold and authentic characterizations is that many of the characters and events were based on history. It is apparent that Laxness is well acquainted with the history and culture of Iceland. If you enjoyed INDEPENDENT PEOPLE, then read ICELAND'S BELL. Laxness created a dark portrait of Iceland that is bound to make the reader feel sorry for the inhabitants of this poor nation. Certainly they received the short end of the stick. Life in Iceland was difficult at the end of the 17th century, and Laxness succeeds in telling a saga that is both dark and comedic. Warning - don't read the introduction first as many essential plot developments are revealed. Recommended.
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Iceland's Bell
Available from Amazon
Price: $10.85
Updated on 11-27-2008.
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