Magma

In Magma, Thora Hjörleifsdóttir explores the darkest corners of relationships, capturing an ugly, hidden nature of love. It depicts the unspooling of a tender-hearted young woman aching to love and be loved, and how much humiliation we are willing to tolerate in the name of love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Magma is a powerful and thought-provoking novel by Thora Hjörleifsdóttir that delves into the complex and often destructive nature of love. The story follows Lilja, a twenty-year-old woman who falls deeply in love with an older and enigmatic man named Andrei. Andrei is a Derrida-quoting intellectual, charismatic, and seemingly perfect partner, but he is also a serial cheater, gaslighter, and narcissist. Despite his toxic behavior, Lilja is unable to break free from his hold and continues to accept his deceptions and endure his sexual desires.

As the novel progresses, Lilja's desperation to be the perfect lover leads her to rationalize Andrei's toxic behavior and allow him to cross all her boundaries. She finds herself trapped in an all-consuming love-hate relationship, unable to escape the cycle of abuse and humiliation. However, an unexpected ultimatum is thrown into her life: an all-consuming love or the promise of a life reclaimed.

Thora Hjörleifsdóttir explores the darkest corners of relationships in Magma, capturing an ugly, hidden nature of love that is often overlooked or ignored in society. In an era of growing pornification, she deftly illustrates the failings of our culture in recognizing the symptoms of cruelty. The novel's visceral, poetic prose, translated from Icelandic by Meg Matich, brings the characters and their emotions to life, making the reader feel deeply connected to their struggles and triumphs.

One of the most striking aspects of Magma is Hjösleifsdóttir's exploration of the fire-rivers of lust. The novel delves into the depths of human desire and the humiliation that we are willing to tolerate in the name of love. Lilja's journey is a testament to the power of love and the destructive nature of obsession, as she is willing to go to any lengths to be with Andrei, even if it means sacrificing her own dignity and self-respect.

Magma is a mesmerizing and powerful novel that will leave readers contemplating the nature of love, the boundaries of relationships, and the importance of self-love and self-respect. Thora Hjörleifsdóttir's writing is stunning, and her exploration of the human condition is thought-provoking and deeply moving. This novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the darker side of love and the complexities of human relationships.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529045550