- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
-
MEOOHMY
Posted March 12, 2012
Good story with an unusual setting
Good story with an unusual setting. Some elements appear disjointed and leave you wanting additional explanation.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Great read
read it over summer vacation, very enjoyable
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted July 18, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A different read from a differnt location.
I read this on a recent trip to Iceland. Halldor Laxness is an Icelandic writer who uses the Icelandic people and geography to write about human nature. This book paints a picture of Bjartur who struggles alone and strives to be totally independent of others... it is a sad but from my perspective a true commentary of so many people who choose to be alone and try to be self reliant to an extreme. It gives an excellent image of the hardships that people face in that geographic setting at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
janet52
Posted June 29, 2009
Prescient storytelling?
I found this book while looking for stories about Iceland before I travel there. I am glad to have read it and found this epic tale of Bjatur ironic, funny, frustrating but never boring. Mr Laxness has written a story set in the early 20th century, that as far as I can tell, is nearly a commentary on our present world political, social, and economical situation. Will humans ever learn from the past? Great reading, though the writing style was sometimes a little heavy for my taste, I still recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted January 20, 2003
Worth a Nobel Prize in Literature
This book was almost in 'real time' as far as Icelandic epics go. As a real lover of Laxness, this book was well worth every moment spent under the sheets, amidst a cold winter chill. Read it and travel there (or vise versa.)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted September 18, 2001
Icelandic Stone
The main character, Bjartur, is much like the country--weathered and untamed. He fights and endures hardships that steels his heart and builds fortitude to endure. A hint of steely humanism slips out through the years toward his daughter. The book can be tedious at times, but worth reading. Laxness focus on Bjartur's character allowed detailing of the Icelandic culture and the sparce living based on the long-time struggles between the classes.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted March 4, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted December 23, 2008
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted January 27, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted January 17, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted May 10, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted July 2, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted December 7, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted March 21, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted September 21, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted May 19, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted July 23, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
-
Anonymous
Posted October 10, 2010
No text was provided for this review.