Independent People
1955 Nobel Prize in Literature
Halldor Kiljan Laxness (1902-1998)
RG Gold Medal 2003
29th January 2003 at Eliane's House
Synopsis
An engrossing and humane modern classic, imbued with the
lyrical force of medieval ballads and Nordic myth. Bjartus
is a sheep farmer hewing a living from a blighted patch of
land in Iceland. After 18 years of servitude to a master he
despises, all he wants is to raise his flocks unbeholden to
anyone. Nothing, not inclement weather, not his wives, not
his family will come between him and his goal of financial
independence. Only Asta Solillja, the child he brings up as
his daughter, can pierce his stubborn heart. But she too wishes
to live independently - and when Bjartus throws her from the
house on discovering she is pregnant, her more temperate determination
is set against his stony will.
Published reviews
'Laxness is a poet who writes to the edges of the pages,
a visionary who allows us a plot: he takes a Tolstoyan
overview, he weaves in an Evelyn Waugh-like humour: it is
not possible to be umimpressed.' Fay Weldon on her 'Books
of the Century' Daily Telegraph
A 20th century saga and a "fanfare for the common man",
discovering in a stark and unsentimental (yet profoundly compassionate)
way the tragic heroism of a man pitted against the power of
nature as he struggles to preserve his soul, even if he loses
his life in the effort. The final scene, bringing together
father and daughter after a lifetime of estrangement, is as
close to perfection as anything I have ever read.
Andre Brink for The Guardian
I love this book. It is an unfolding wonder of artistic
vision and skill - one of the best books of the twentieth
century. I can't imagine any greater delight than coming to
Independent People for the first time
Jane Smiley
Related resources
Biography
on Pegasos site
Nobel
Prize Citation for 1955
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