Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2024
The Icelandic Booksellers‘ Prize for Best Poetry Book of 2024
Gerdur Kristny has long been one of Iceland’s most popular poets, with a unique feeling of her own for the nuance of the language.
Her poetry volumes Bloodhoof, Drápa – A Reykjavik Murder Mystery and Reykjavik Requiem were received with admiration and interest, not least for their compelling subject matter and innovative presentation, and a new volume of Gerdur Kristny’s verse never fails to be the best kind of news.
Earthlight is Gerdur Kristny’s 10th book of poetry.
“Compelling poems exploring human destinies in the present and the past, where stark seriousness and sly humor collide. The finely wrought text fully harnesses the resonance and rhythm of the language, while vivid imagery expresses deep emotions.”
JURY‘S VERDICT
The Icelandic Literary Prize 2024, Finalist in the category of fiction
“When it comes to contemporary Icelandic poetry, I am an ardent fan of Gerdur Kristny. I think she is an absolutely brilliant poet, and she certainly does not disappoint here. …
I recommend everyone read each poem twice—not once, but twice. Because every word matters.”
KOLBRUN BERGTHORSDOTTIR, KILJAN/ICELANDIC NATIONAL TV
★★★★★
(four and a half stars out of five possible)
“From her first poetry book, Ísfrétt, it was clear that a remarkable poet had stepped into the spotlight … Earthlight is no exception—a brilliant poetry collection that I haven’t finished reading, even though I’ve already read it. … In short, the poems in this book deal with injustice and cruelty, with humanity and folly, with sorrow and joy, with people and nature. In these poems, not everything is as it seems, as is often the case with great literature.”
KRISTJAN JOHANN JONSSON, MORGUNBLADID DAILY
“Gerdur Kristny is without a doubt one of Iceland’s best poets. Every word is deliberate, her chiseled sentences vibrant, painting vivid and beautifully drawn images. She also has an incredible knack for uncovering unexpected and unique perspectives. This is especially evident when she draws inspiration from ancient Norse mythology or the Icelandic sagas. …
But Gerdur Kristny’s work is at its most powerful and profound when she turns to depicting the tragic fates of women. Her compassion and understanding are absolute, yet there is no hyperbole or sermonizing, quite the opposite. She portrays human frailty without judgment, but we always sense the innocence of the victim, the one who did not deserve the fate they received. … a remarkable poetry collection …”
STEINGERDUR STEINARSOTTIR, LIFDU NUNA
“I find the poetic language she has been refining for many, many years—resonating with echoes of Eddaic meter, alliteration, and concise, vivid imagery—absolutely captivating. She has completely mastered it with extraordinary skill.”
THORGEIR TRYGGVASON, KILJAN / ICELANDIC NATIONAL TV
“Gerdur Kristny’s latest poetry collection is a gentle, fragrant autumn storm that envelops the reader and guides them through the realms of poetry, where the creative power of words and thoughts captivates. Here is a poet who, once again, proves she belongs at the forefront of poets in this country—and beyond.”
HREINN S. HAKONARSON, KIRKJUBLADID MAGAZINE
