We are delighted to announce that Pedro Gunnlaugur Garcia’s celebrated novel, LUNGS, the recipient of the prestigious 2022 Icelandic Literary Prize, has been acquired by Anaya for distribution in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. This compelling work has already captivated audiences across Brazil, France, Germany, Portugal, and Poland, and is poised to enchant even more readers across the globe.
Fernando Paz Clemente, a publisher at Anaya in Spain, expressed his admiration, stating, “The novel is really amazing, I love it! This book blends magical realism with elements of fable and humor, full of moving stories and with a captivating narrative style I really enjoyed, especially in the magical and emotional scenes that enrich the plot.”
LUNGS has been heralded as a groundbreaking piece in Icelandic fiction, blending profound emotions with whimsical adventures in a magical narrative style. The Icelandic Literary Prize Jury lauded the novel for its unique ability to seamlessly navigate between deep emotional conflicts and joyous mythical moments, ensuring even the most tragic events are imbued with a sense of joy. The novel illuminates the intricate relationships between lovers and generations, revealing the essence of life through vivid stories and memories.
Katrin Aé, a publisher at Hoffmann und Campe in Germany, draws a parallel between LUNGS and Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, suggesting that Garcia’s novel is a contemporary counterpart that spans two centuries of family sagas, filled with happiness and tumult.
The novel has also received outstanding reviews, including a five-star rating from Stundin Weekly, which praised LUNGS as an enchanting and unique contribution to Icelandic literature. The publication admired Garcia’s compelling storytelling and his profound dedication to the art of narrative.
As LUNGS continues to gain international acclaim, we are excited to see how readers in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia will connect with its rich, magical narrative and the universal themes it explores.