“Little girl – you can light my cigarette with your eyes!”
These were the first words uttered by Halldor Laxness to Ingibjörg Einarsdottir at Thingvellir in the summer of 1924 – and the girl was bewitched by this eloquent writer.
Little by little a romance blossomed, and when Laxness set off for America they were more or less engaged to be married.
While the letters depict the incredible ambition and diligence that drives Laxness, they show also his anxiety and worries, as well as chronicling the development of Halldor and Inga’s love, leading to their marriage on May 1st 1930, that would last for ten years.
During this time, which is also Laxness’ most prolific period as an author, he writes almost 180 letters to Ingibjörg which, as is typical for all romances, swing between mischief and sincerity, jealousy and desire, trust and halftruths. At the same time these letters provide a unique insight into the zeitgeist, society, and ideals of these optimistic years between two world wars.