 Thor Vilhjálmsson
THOR VILHJALMSSON Morning Verse in the Grass (Morgunþula í stráum, 1998) The Icelandic Literary Prize A historical novel based on characters from the classic 13th-century Sturlunga Saga. In 1234, Sturla Sighvatsson set off for Rome to seek Papal absolution for his sins, and, as Sturlunga Saga recounts, was led between the principal churches. He stood then at the peak of his achievements, and had even greater ambitions. His aim was to gain supreme power in Iceland. But something went wrong with the plans of this splendid potentate. Morning Verse in the Grass contains hard-won wisdom; it is a contemplation on power and pride, violence and love, and is a confrontation with the heroic myths Iceland has inherited. English synopsis available. Sold to: Sweden (Bra böcker), Denmark (Borgen/Vindrose), France (Actes Sud), Italy (Iperborea) The Grey Moss Glows (Grámosinn glóir, 1986) The Nordic Council Literary Prize A historical novel set in 19th-century Iceland, now considered a Nordic classic. A story of love between half-brother and sister, and their prosecution by the authorities, a narrative of drama, poetry and landscapes. Sold to: Denmark (Vindrose), Norway (Norsk Gyldendal), Finland (Otava), Sweden (Wiken/Bra böcker), Germany (Kleinheinrich/ Paperback rights: Ullstein), France (Actes Sud), Italy (Iperborea), Turkey (Telos Yayinalik), UK (Mare's Nest, published under the title Justice Undone) "Thor Vilhjalmsson's books are ... the efflorescence of a tradition, the natural development of a long history of one of the great literatures of the world." Ted Hughes "It is not always easy to combine learning with character description, but in those chapters where magic literature is in a leading role, the result is no less than spectacular." DV newspaper "This book is bathed in the glow of the northern lights, being carefully constructed and revealing a power no less than that of the Icelandic sagas. But far from being a retreat into tradition, it has a great and unconstrained creative energy." Gérard Bodiner, Le Provencal "Discovering Vilhjalmsson is an absolute must; he is a great author, and it is irrelevant whether or not he is Icelandic." Inrockuptibles |
Thor Vilhjalmsson (b.1925) is one of the most important Icelandic writers today, author of many novels, essays, plays and poetry, and translator of major works of world literature. His works have been translated into many languages. Vilhjalmsson was awarded The Swedish Academy's Nordic Prize for Literature in 1992.