Independent People

Independent People is a masterly realist novel set in the early twentieth century, infused with an awareness of Iceland's saga tradition and folklore. Bjartur of Summerhouses is a hard and sometimes cruel man, but his determination to achieve independence is heroic and comic. His daughter wants to live unbeholden to him, leading to a battle of wills that is harsh and touching, elemental in its emotional intensity and intimate in its homely detail.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Everyman

Independent People is a masterful realist novel set in the early decades of the twentieth century, vividly capturing a family and a rural community struggling to survive in the harsh and unforgiving landscapes of Iceland. At the same time, it is infused with a deep understanding of Iceland's rich saga tradition and folklore. Bjartur of Summerhouses, the protagonist, is a complex character, exhibiting both hard and cruel qualities. However, his unwavering determination to achieve independence is both genuinely heroic and bleakly comic. After enduring eighteen years of humiliating servitude, Bjartur finally manages to purchase an isolated piece of land, believed to be cursed. His primary desire is to tend his flocks without the constraints of any man, seeking solace and freedom. However, his daughter, Þóra, has different aspirations. She yearns to live independently of her father, driven by a desire for autonomy and a different kind of life. What ensues is a fierce battle of wills, filled with harsh and touching moments, as Bjartur and Þóra clash over their respective desires. The emotional intensity of this conflict is elemental, resonating deeply with the reader. At the same time, the intimate details of their homely lives add a layer of warmth and realism to the narrative, making it a truly compelling read. Independent People is a testament to the power of storytelling, as it delves into the complexities of human relationships, the struggle for independence, and the enduring legacy of folklore and tradition. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human condition and the complexities of rural life in a unique and captivating setting.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 136 x 211 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781841593975