Independent People

By: Halldór Laxness

Narrated by: Michael Page

This magnificent novel - which secured for its author the 1955 Nobel Prize in Literature - is now available to contemporary American audiences. Although it is set in the early 20th century, it recalls both Iceland's medieval epics and such classics as Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. And if Bjartur of Summerhouses, the book's protagonist, is an ordinary sheep farmer, his flinty determination to achieve independence is genuinely heroic and, at the same time, terrifying and bleakly comic.

Having spent 18 years in humiliating servitude, Bjartur wants nothing more than to raise his flocks unbeholden to any man. But Bjartur's spirited daughter wants to live unbeholden to him. What ensues is a battle of wills that is by turns harsh and touching, elemental in its emotional intensity, and intimate in its homely detail. Vast in scope and deeply rewarding, Independent People is a masterpiece.

©1946 Halldór Laxness (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A huge, skaldic treat filled with satire, humor, pathos, cold weather and sheep." ( Publishers Weekly)

How one man can make many so miserable...

Nowadays the main character, Bjartur would be diagnosed as a Sociopath; self-righteous, egotistical and with no conscience. He is so self centered that he makes the lives of those close to him miserable. Of course in the end--out of character--he shows some compassion; but one wonders if this is probably self-serving too.

So from the point of view that he is a memorable character, I assume that is the reason the book has been given rave reviews and awards. But for me it was arduous to get through.

Útligangur

Svooo Gött, a novel about a human journey of what an Icelandic horse might experience in their life from a perspective of a stubborn Icelandic father, spouse, and widow. Almost reminds me of Leppaluði’s great escape from Gringle Peace on earth. No wonder the Halldór received the Nobel Prize in Literature. The narrator and translators should get one too for their graceful and humorous translation. Hopefully Icelandic school children can recover from the 1970 - 2010 torture of Icelandic school children across the country.

Long, Slow, Mostly Depressing

I’ve dropped in on this book for long periods and when it was plodding too much, went onto other things.

I learned a lot about Iceland around the time I was born, as well as its history, during our cold, wet winter nights.

There’s some good humor in it occasionally but you have to pay close attention so you don’t miss it.

I do wish male narrators could refrain from voicing all females with what I imagine dolls would sound like, or faeries.

Astounding

This book is one of the greats in literature. It manages to be both heartbreaking and incredibly humorous (in a dry, offhand manner that is even funnier for being so understated.) Both major and minor characters are vividly realized, some delicately and others in all their eccentric and idiosyncratic glory. Laxness also deftly interweaves the political and social exploitation of crofters and peasants everywhere in his precise portrayal of their hard scrabble existence. Michael Page is excellent as well. Listen to it - you will be full of gratitude as it breaks your heart.

Pre-trip reading assignment

I'm going to Iceland and wanted to know more about the culture and artists. So now I know. It was interesting and I loved the details about farm life and politics. Laxness is a Nobel Prize Lit hero and this book is considered his gold standard. It is very real and some might think it is depressing. I found it interesting - not sure why wo many think it is a knock out - but it is gritty and depicts a harsh slice of life.

An empathic voyage in poetic verse and philosophic breadth

In a wonderful theatrical varied voice & quiet countenance the reader carrie’s us a voyage of
Of witness of Human character In the Education of a soul through a voyage Of a life.

Bjatur sounds like a cartoon character

I was told this was a very good book, so I thought I'd give the audio version a whirl. The narrator is a darned good reader, but why oh why must he give Bjatur the voice of a grumbly old man? Sure, Bjatur will eventually get old as the story goes on, but in the beginning he's still relatively young. He sounds more like a cartoon troll living under a bridge than a man commencing his married life. I don't think I can take 20 hours of this. Having started it and enjoying the story I’m going to have to find a paper copy and read it myself.

A profound book of simple people

I loved the epic story and for the privilege of getting to know Iceland and some of its people.
It was a bit hard to get into at the beginning but keep going. This is a story of persevering everyone should read.

Toxic Patriarchy

This is a sweeping saga and indictment of a history of toxic masculinity and adherence to harsh religion, superstition and myth. A bird’s eye view of a culture created for and by men on the skirts of Western history. This book predicted the precipitous collapse of the Icelandic economy in the mid-2000’s at the hands of men. Now (2025) in the hands of women, Iceland has made a full recovery. This is an age-old, masterful and painful tale of peasants (farmers) versus gentry and the greed, cruelty, religious power and lack of empathy that brings it about and perpetuates it. Women are the grand sufferers in this shockingly bleak fiefdom. Not an easy read because of the detailed conversations, descriptions, and epic sadness, it is nevertheless well worth every effort to do so. Great poetry is found herein.

Insight into Iceland's Culture and History

Great narration, compelling story. A bit depressing but also an insightful glimpse into Icelandic culture and history.