(b.1970) is the author of more than 30 books and has received numerous prizes and accolades for her work, which has been translated into many languages. She proved herself as one of Iceland‘s most interesting poets with her first book and has since then published several books of poetry, as well as short stories, novels and children‘s books. Awards for her work include the Icelandic Literature Prize and a nomination for the Nordic Council Literary Prize, the Icelandic Journalist Award, the Icelandic Children‘s Book Award and  The Halldor Laxness Literary Award. Each year, the Icelandic Government awards an individual the Jonas Hallgrimsson Award for their outstanding contribution to the Icelandic language, through writing, research or education. In 2020, Gerdur Kristny received the award. The panel said that: ‘Gerdur’s voice is important in Icelandic society, not only because of the way she expresses it but also because of the many things she has to say.’ She often lends her voice to those that don’t have one, both in her fiction and in her previous work as a journalist and editor.

Her poetry and short stories have been included in school textbooks at the elementary and secondary level, as well as in anthologies published in Iceland and overseas. Her poetry have been the basis for both musical and theatre performances.

Gerdur Kristny was invested with the Order of the Falcon at the Bessastadir presidential residence on January 1st, 2022, for her contribution to Icelandic literature.

“With this book, Gerdur Kristny displays her talents and we get to understand why she is considered one of the most powerful contemporary poet among Icelanders. The poems are convincing and riveting, and they form a very harmonious whole.”
MORGUNBLADID DAILY (on Arctic)

“… a beautiful book with a terrifyingundertone that grabs the reader…”
NATIONAL BROADCASTING SERVICE

“The surface is smooth and calm, but underneath darkness simmers. Wonderfully written.”
MORGUNBLADID DAILY

AWARDS

2023 – Fjöruverðlaunin – The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize: Urta (Cow Seal)

2022 – The Icelandic Bookseller’s Prize for Best Poetry Book of the Year: Urta (Cow Seal). (3rd place)
2020 – Fjöruverðlaunin – The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize: Iðunn og afi pönk  (Idunn and Grandpa Punk )
2018 – The Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize for Best Poetry Book of the Year: Sálumessa (Requiem)

2010 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Blóðhófnir (Blood-Hoof)
2010 – The Icelandic Bookseller’s Award: Blóðhófnir. As the best poetry book of the year
2010 – The West-Nordic Children’s Literature Prize: Garðurinn (The Garden)
2010 – The Guðmundur Böðvarsson Poetry Award
2008 – The Icelandic Bookseller’s Award: Garðurinn. As the best children’s book of the year
2005 – The Icelandic Journalism Award: Myndin af pabba. Saga Thelmu (The Picture of Dad: Thelma’s Story)
2005 – The Icelandic Bookseller’s Award: Myndin af pabba. Saga Thelmu (The Picture of Dad: Thelma’s Story). As the best biography of the year
2004 – The Halldór Laxness Literature Prize: Bátur með segli og allt (A Boat with a Sail and All)
2003 – Bókaverðlaun barnanna (The Children’s Choice Book Prize): Marta Smarta (Smart Marta)
1998 – Third prize in Vikan magazine short story contest
1992 – First prize in a TV culture poetry competition, the National Broadcasting Service
1987 – Third prize in Þjóðviljinn newspaper poetry competition
1986 – First prize in the National Broadcasting Service short story competition

NOMINATIONS

2023 – Maístjarnan Poetry Award: Urta (Cow Seal)
2019 – Maístjarnan Poetry Award: Sálumessa (Requiem)

2018 – Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize: Sálumessa (Requiem)

2012 – The Nordic Council’s Literature Prize: Blóðhófnir (Blood-Hoof)
2011 – Fjöruverðlaunin – The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize: Blóðhófnir (Blood-Hoof)
2007 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Höggstaður (A Weak Spot)