I hadn’t put much of my life behind me when it first made its presence felt. The bird which would end up becoming an inseparable part of my life. Spreading its wings, singing and sending my heart speeding. Why did it have to snuggle up against my neck like that? Trying to smother me. Keeping me from sleeping at night. Lying down on top of me and squashing me. 

Ljosa grows up late in the 19th century under the glacier’s dome with a sweeping view of the sea and the barren lands. She has every chance of being happy, but reality turns out otherwise. As time passes, she loses her grip on life, to retreat into a world of illusion that confounds other people.

Brightness is Steinsdottir’s third novel, a gripping tale of the joys and sorrows of a unique woman.

• The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize, 2011
• DV Cultural Prize for Literature 2011

****
“A stylish and well crafted story with
wonderful characterisation. A story that
covers the complete spectrum of emotions
and is impossible to put down.”
FRETTABLADID DAILY