Three women, one name, and a century of lives defined by the paths they were forced to take.

* Nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction *
* Selected as the book of the year by Morgunbladid daily in its category *
* Nominated for the Reykjavík Children’s Literary Prize 2026 *

In 1887, a sudden illness severs Sigga from her family and her future in America. In 1957, Dídí grapples with the fallout of her mother’s scandalous disappearance to the States.

Today, Sirrýlei, a Chinese-Icelandic teen, discovers that her identity is built on a series of historical ‘u-turns’ and a silver brooch that has survived them all.

 The Silver Line is a young adult journey through the ‘what-ifs’ of history, exploring how the moments that break our plans are the very ones that forge our legacy. When an unopened letter from 1887 finally surfaces, Sirrýlei must decide if the ‘line’ of her family is a bond to be cherished or a knot to be untied.

”A story that resonates with both young adults and older readers alike. It held me completely captive; it has been a long time since I’ve read a narrative that weaves its threads so masterfully in so many directions.“
RS, LESTRARKLEFINN

★★★★½ ”A page-turner.”
RB, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“There is a certain turmoil that comes with being fifteen, and in The Silver Line, Brynhildur Þórarinsdóttir draws a poignant portrait of the teenager Sirrýlei. She navigates the big issues in life: hosting parties, boy troubles, and friendship drama, all while diving deep into genealogy with the ‘nerds.’ The catalyst for this journey is the brooch her grandmother gave her for her birthday, which tells the story of three generations of women named Sigríður. The Silver Line is a sincere and thrilling story that shows the reader what has changed through the ages—and what always remains the same.”
JURY’S VERDICT, THE WOMEN’S LITERATURE PRIZE

“The Silver Line is an exceptionally well-written novel about origins, family, and friendship. The story stretches from the disastrous times and mass emigration of the nineteenth century to the present day, telling the tale of a teenage girl who sets out to map her family tree in connection with an old silver pendant that has followed the women of her lineage—passed from mother to daughter.

Our protagonist becomes much wiser about the hardships of the past, realizing that every era carries its own unique struggles.”
AM, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

★★★★½ “…fantastic entertainment that is easy to recommend… intricate… weaves together different settings in a masterful way.”
UKK, HEIMILDIN WEEKLY

“A tremendously fine young adult novel of remarkable depth; a work of rich characterization that masterfully bridges the gap between generations.”
KBB, KILJAN NATIONAL TV

“A masterfully executed work of fiction that transcends age; a story destined to resonate with readers of all generations.”
IIA, KILJAN NATIONAL TV