The nominees for the Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize 2021 have been announced! We are incredibly proud of our authors who are on the shortlists. Here they are, along with the jury’s comments.
FICTION
BOUDOIR by Sigrun Palsdottir
“Boudoir by Sigrun Palsdottir tells the story of a farmer’s daughter born in the mid 20th century. Theodora (or Teddy as she is known) possesses an uncommon talent for mathematics. The world of technology and science is a man’s world, at that time and place, and women are not welcome there. In the end, Teddy’s analytical mind allows her to turn the odds in her favor and she proves triumphant. Boudoir is a quiet story with a powerful subtext that will speak loudly to readers who believe in justice.”
TEETHING by Thordis Helgadottir
“Teething is Thordis Helgadottir’s first book of poetry. The speaker guides the reader through parenting, especially the role of the mother and the feminine. The poems are multilayered and deep, tugging at the reader’s most delicate heartstrings. The children grow and become anxious about their future with the climate crisis coming to bear in the poems as well. This book of poems is germane to contemporary life since the issues it takes to task are likely to strike a chord with the reader. These poems are ones to come back to often as they offer up a new view with each reading.”
CHILDREN’S FICTION
HERE IS REYKJAVIK! by Margret Tryggvadottir and Linda Olafsdottir
“Here is Reykjavik! by Margret Tryggvadottir and Linda Olafsdottir discusses the history of Reykjavik from the time of its settlement to present day. The book is richly illustrated with each spread offering a different viewpoint on the city’s history. The authors recount a variety of lore, telling the stories in an entertaining way well balanced between text and images. Margret’s prose is concisely written in easy-to-read paragraphs, and Linda’s illustrations are colorful and add to the book in several ways. The book sparks a desire to learn more about this capital city.”
