The Islander

Gudmundsson, as judicious in his treatment of Laxness’s Stalinism as of his distant relationships with his two wives, has written an enthralling, heartening study of a man of unflagging interest in life. – Paul Binding * Independent *
The author’s life is vividly recounted … detailed chapters and powerful quotes allow for an honest assessment of the author’s career. * Sunday Herald *
I have read the biography with great interest and admiration. I am thoroughly convinced by Gudmundsson’s portrayal of Laxness. – J. M. Coetzee
Gudmundsson interweaves the diverting story of Laxness’s life with critical commentary on his work in the manner of the best literary biographies. His tone is appealing, intimate and understanding but far from hagiographical and not averse to critical irony … he conveys a vivid sense of Laxness’s personality, in all its complexity and ambivalence. The man comes to life in the pages of the work - something that does not always happen, even in the best biographies … the translation of this exemplary biography in English is very welcome. It provides readers of English with a perfect introduction to the life and works of an outstanding writer, one whom everyone should read – Eilis Ni Dhubhne * Irish Times *
The biography still provides a lively soup-to-nuts account, including the dizzying sequence of travels Laxness began after he left home – Salvatore Scibona * New Yorker *
A thoroughly researched biography – Ruth Margalit * New York Review of Books *
A thoroughly researched biography – Ruth Margalit * New York Review of Books *
Gudmundsson interweaves the diverting story of Laxness’s life with critical commentary on his work in the manner of the best literary biographies. His tone is appealing, intimate and understanding but far from hagiographical and not averse to critical irony … he conveys a vivid sense of Laxness’s personality, in all its complexity and ambivalence. The man comes to life in the pages of the work - something that does not always happen, even in the best biographies … the translation of this exemplary biography in English is very welcome. It provides readers of English with a perfect introduction to the life and works of an outstanding writer, one whom everyone should read – Eilis Ni Dhubhne * Irish Times *
I have read the biography with great interest and admiration. I am thoroughly convinced by Gudmundsson’s portrayal of Laxness – J. M. Coetzee
Gudmundsson, as judicious in his treatment of Laxness’s Stalinism as of his distant relationships with his two wives, has written an enthralling, heartening study of a man of unflagging interest in life – Paul Binding * Independent *
The author’s life is vividly recounted … detailed chapters and powerful quotes allow for an honest assessment of the author’s career * Sunday Herald *

Halldor Guomundsson is an Icelandic author, a former publisher and the first director of Harpa, Iceland’s main concert hall. His biography of Halldor Laxness, The Islander, was awarded the Icelandic Literary Prize. He lives in Reykjavik.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.