Birgir Sigurdsson (b.1937) is one of Iceland's leading playwrights, a novelist and a writer of non-fictional historical works. A former teacher and journalist, he was vice president of The Writers' Union of Iceland. President of the Association of Icelandic Artists and a member of the Reykjavik Art Festival committee.

The Light in the Water

(Ljósið í vatninu, 2000)

The Light in the Water is an impressive and interesting depiction of people at a turning-point, who must make crucial decisions whether to continue in the old rut that leads to unhappiness, or find another way to a better life, whatever the cost. Birgir's psychological insight and lyrical style create an atmosphere that is both dramatic and enchanting.

The Precipice

(Hengiflugið, 1993)

At once a warm love story and a harsh description of present times, written with insight and passion.

A Day of Hope

(Dagur vonar, play, 1987).

Nominated for the Nordic Council Literary Prize

A powerful family drama in the true meaning of the term, a text charged with tension and hot passions, a strong construction and an unexpected ending.

The play focuses on individuals' fates and their conflicts. It takes place in Reykjavik during nineteen-fifties. There is only one scene of action: Lara's home, where she lives with her three children, together with her lover, a drunkard she has taken in and is bent on rehabilitating.

"Crackling genius ... The author is in admirable control of his chosen form. There are no lapses in his narrative technique, the construction is as specific as his use of language, the point of view changes smoothly from the narrator to the characters and into their minds."

Pressan newspaper