It is the summer of 1919 and Reykjavik is suddenly transformed from a village into a town, when a troupe of actors and film crew come to Iceland to shoot Gunnar Gunnarsson’s famous Family Saga.
Jakob Olafsson, a young man who runs his own taxi service, drives the foreigners around, and before he knows it, falls in love with the leading lady. There is not just one but two women in Jakob’s life when he meets Asthildur Bjornsdottir, an apprentice goldsmith. But just as Jakob seems to be on the point of finding happiness, his life takes a twist and reserves him and his close ones an unexpected fate.

R E V I E W S

“This is a massive and magnificent work and to my mind Olafur Gunnarsson is here at his best. It´s my opinion that Head Ransom will later be acknowledged to be one of his best books.”
Armann Jakobsson, Kistan.is

“A terrific historical novel … written with exceptinal mastery of style … adventurous … very lively.”
Kastljos, Iceland National TV

“A gripping and an interesting book. Olafur is an excellent writer and he does not shoot of the mark in Head Ransom.”
Vikan Magazine

“Head Ransom is a battering ram of a book.”
Halldor Guðmundsson, Frettabladid Newpaper

“A gripping narrative, exceptionally good handling of the subject … interesting multi faceted work.”
Gunnthorunn Gudmundsdottir, Bokmenntir.is Literature website

“Olafur weaves together fiction and facts with his extraordinary skills.”
Havar Sigurjonsson, Morgunbladid Newspaper

“A tale of great drama. I was stuck in the net of Olafur´s tale and could not put the book down …Olafur has once more created a magnificent tale you will not so easily forget.”
Illugi Jökulsson, Talstodin Radio

“Olafur strikes right to the point with his entertaining work which grips the attention of the reader and does not let go until the final page.”
Frettabladid Newpaper