A compelling novel which shines a new light on life in Iceland at the end of the 18th century, the island’s most miserable inhabitants and the oppressors who decide their fate.

At the height of the Enlightenment, in 1757, Iceland’s sheriffs collectively signed a plea to their King in Copenhagen. Hoping to cut the expense of sheltering, feeding and shipping drifters and thieves to Denmark’s prisons, they sought permission to hang them. This proposal shocked the Palace and was refused by the King, who decreed, instead, that Iceland should have a prison of its own.

In the following years, felons were kept in sheds where they slept on seaweed, while building the new premises, the Reykjavik Prison. Once erected, the building served its intended purpose: men, women and children were imprisoned for roaming, illicit births, thefts, disobeying their superiors and other wrongdoings. Some got out alive. Others were worked to death, tortured, or starved.

Two centuries after the prison was abolished, this former house of horrors now serves a more prestigious role, as the site of Iceland’s Government. As staff members repeatedly report their discomfort on the premises, Security Chief Pall Holt investigates, having few more urgent matters on his hands. Might this unease have something to do with the building’s original purpose? Might something remain unsaid, after all these years? Reykjavik Prison is Mr. Holt’s report.

“Reykjavik Prison sheds light on atrocities at the roots of our Republic. The book is an unforgettable monument to people that authorities sacrificed. And a middle-finger raised to those authorities.”
KRISTIN OMARSDOTTIR, WRITER

“A deep and unusual story.”
BUBBI MORTHENS, MUSICIAN

“A fascinating book … A very lively set of characters.”
EGILL HELGASON, KILJAN/NATIONAL TV

“… a well-told tale, the account is smooth and endearing, great characters.”
PALL WINKEL, MORGUNBLADID DAILY