The poetry collection Men Who Love Men is a meditation on masculinity. The writer examines the topic from a historical and personal perspective, pondering friendship and love, how emotions form under both internal and external pressures. The poetry is candid and yet operates on a number of levels, both funny and poignant. The book consists of three parallel sections bound together by theme, imagery and a voice that speaks directly to and with the reader.

• The May Star Poetry Prize 2022

“In Men Who Love Men Haukur Ingvarson writes poetry about heavy bodies and airy spirits, about the gravity of the universe and brotherly love, which holds matter together and keeps the stars on their trajectories. With ingenious imagery the poet turns his gaze across the world, from the deep, dark sea to the vastness of space, but reflections about the footsteps on the paper-thin shell over the depths suggest a membrane that might burst at any moment. The poems comprise a dense web of allusions to Icelandic literature through the ages, which serve to expand the scope of their meaning. The most palpable topics and direct symbolism concern love, friendship and masculinity. The poet spurs the reader to plunge into an abyss of words and feelings and to make a meeting in spirit. Men Who Love Men is a book that calls for multiple readings and rewards those richly who answer the call.”
Excerpted from selection committee’s comments for Iceland’s May Star Poetry Prize 2022