A captivating story of unrealized potential and tragic destinies.
Will appeal to readers of crime and historical fiction alike.

Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2024

An Icelandic poet, the greatest talent of his generation, lies severely injured in a hospital in a foreign country and recalls happy and sad moments in his life. His mind wanders to the terrible fate of a shepherd boy in the countryside at home, while old trials of the heart occupy his thoughts as well; all that was said and unsaid.

Journey’s End is a captivating historical novel drawn from the extraordinary life of the national poet Jonas Hallgrimsson and the strange events that unfolded in his home valley during his youth, in the early parts of the 19th century.

The story offers a fresh and powerful perspective on the poet and the society that nurtured him, capturing the contrasts between the vibrant city life abroad and the impoverished countryside of northern Iceland. Those opposing worlds shaped both the man and his works, making for a story of varied fortunes and fleeting luck that is both poignant and profound.

“A masterclass in historical noir. Arnaldur Indridason delivers an austere and profoundly moving tribute to a national icon. Surpassing even his acclaimed Erlendur and Konrad series, this may be his finest work yet.”
OVV, FOCUS VIF

“More than a puzzle to be solved, the novel treats us to a meditation on the distance between social worlds and the fragility of bonds. The strength of the text lies in its sobriety: austere landscapes, a slow pace, and restrained dialogue compose an almost contemplative atmosphere. Behind the disappearance, a broader reflection emerges on memory, solitude, and what connects—or separates—beings through time and the paths they have traveled.”
EMMANUEL ROMER, LE CROIX L’HEBDO

“Indridason artfully knits his story, seamlessly integrating a touch of fiction, a criminal plot that does not clash with the portrayal of the great national poet. On the contrary, it allows him to anchor the poet to his island, telling the lives of the humble and the destitute and their servitude in the heart of this harsh land. These people are rarely granted a voice. The Icelandic novelist makes Jónas the guardian of these ignored and now-silent voices.”
FRANÇOISE DARGENT, LE FIGARO

“Under the guise of a historical noir novel, IndriDason delivers a powerful elegy, elegant and concise, to his country, and a moving introspection into human torment.”
ISABELLE LESNIAK, LES ECHOS

“The story of a great man, the story of a country, and the “small” history of Icelandic peasants: Indridason succeeds in weaving a high-flying web with his characteristic clarity. His economy of words does not prevent deep emotion; one weeps for Keli.”
SABRINA CHAMPENOIS, LIBERATION

“Indridason relies on real facts drawn from archives to weave a meticulous and deeply restrained novel… [drawing] the destiny of the poor and the invisible.”
MARIE CHARREL, LE MONDE DES LIVRES

“A magnificent tale that captivates and refuses to let go until the very last line. Indridason masterfully crafts an atmospheric world, gradually drawing the reader into the heart of the narrative until they are left wondering if there is any way out .. Every journey must eventually reach its end; the only question is how. By exploring the many ways a life concludes, this novel ensures that fans of Indridason’s work will not be disappointed.”
HISTO COUCH

“An exceptionally well-crafted historical novel that presents a fresh and original perspective on the renowned poet [Jonas Hallgrimsson]. Interwoven with Jonas’s poetry and his final days are fragments of memories from his past, brought to life through masterfully written prose. The light and flowing style paints a picture that leaves no reader untouched.”
JURY‘S VERDICT
The Icelandic Literary Prize 2024, Finalist in the category of fiction

“Undeniably, this is Indridason’s masterpiece—the pinnacle of his work to date.”
KB, KILJAN, NATIONAL TV

Five stars out of five
★★★★★ 
“Arnaldur Indridason is a great storyteller… It is only within the ability of the finest narrators to handle such delicate material so well.”
KJJ, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“Indridason achieves something remarkable here, crafting a book with a captivating and melancholic tone. The [main protagonist] feels exceptionally authentic, bringing depth to the narrative.”
KB, KILJAN, NATIONAL TV

“This novel is highly accessible, allowing readers to appreciate it as an outstanding historical novel. It seamlessly weaves together elements of Icelandic folk culture and high culture, creating a true literary gem.”
IIA, KILJAN, NATIONAL TV

“… a piercingly tragic story … Simply outstanding!”
POLITIKEN (ABOUT THE KING AND THE CLOCKMAKER)

“… a cohesive tale of fate with clear historical threads …”
WEEKENDAVISEN (ABOUT THE KING AND THE CLOCKMAKER)

“Two young men, a great poet and a young shepherd, two social backgrounds, two lives linked by curiosity, two tragic destinies in 19th-century Nordic colonial society. This novel offers a powerful new perspective on the poet and the society that nurtured him, capturing the contrasts between bustling urban life abroad and the poor countryside of northern Iceland. Arnaldur Indridason’s remarkably elegant and economical style keeps us spellbound. A brilliant and moving text that blends history and poetry.”
A.M.MÉTAILIÉ