Svava Jakobsdottir (1930-2004) was one of Iceland’s leading contemporary authors and her short stories, often depicting the lives of women, hold a special place in Icelandic literature. Jakobsdottir was also acclaimed as a playwright, literary scholar, and a novelist.

“Mixing Norse mythology with surreal storytelling, this compelling narrative chronicles the relationship between a mother seeking justice and her seemingly insane daughter. A leading author in Icelandic literature, Jakobsdottir’s psychological novel draws readers into the world of suspenseful realism.”
WORLD LITERATURE TODAY

AWARDS

2001 – An honorary award from the Writer’s Library Fund for her contribution to Icelandic literature
2000 – An award from the Equal Status Council as a pioneer in working on gender equality
1997 – The Henrik Steffens Award
1996 – Elected Honorary member of the Icelandic Writer’s Union
1983 – An award from the National Radio’s Writer’s Fund
1982 – An award from the Iceland Writer’s Fund
1968 – An award from the Iceland Writer’s Fund

NOMINATIONS

2000 – DV newspaper Culture Prize for literature: Skyggnst á bak við ský (Behind the Clouds)
1990 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Undir eldfjalli (Under the Volcano)
1988 – DV newspaper Culture Prize for literature: Gunnlaðar saga (The Saga of Gunnlöd)
1984 – The Nordic Council’s Literature Prize: Gefið hvort öðru (Give unto Each Other)
1972 – The Nordic Council’s Literature Prize: Leigjandinn (The Lodger)
1971 – The Nordic Council’s Literature Prize: Leigjandinn