The King and the Clockmaker by Arnaldur Indridason was recently awarded the title of Best Historical Novel of 2024 in Germany. The honor was granted by the German literary magazine Histo Couch, which has been active since 2006 and is known for its extensive coverage of historical fiction. In its ruling, the jury praised the author’s masterful style, which brings the past of both Iceland and Copenhagen to life.

The novel was published by Lubbe Verlag in 2024, translated into German by Freyja Melsted. The German title, Der König und der Uhrmacher, has gained significant popularity among German readers. The book has also been sold to the following markets:

  • France (Éditions Métailié)

  • Denmark (Gyldendal)

  • The Netherlands (Uitgeverij Volt)

  • Germany/Switzerland/Austria (Verlagsgruppe Lübbe)

  • Spain/South America (RBA Libros)

  • Norway (Cappelen Damm)

  • World Arabic (Arab Scientific Publishers)

  • Sweden (Norstedts)

  • World English (Open Borders Press)

About the Book:

Truth and lies throughout the ages — innocence or guilt — cruelty and frailty are forever part of the human creature. Arnaldur Indriðason treads a new path with an intriguing story based on actual events and characters. A compelling human drama in a remarkable narrative that is unique among the author’s works. Sigurverkið will appeal to readers of both crime and historical fiction.

An Icelandic clockmaker works on repairing a splendid old astronomical clock in the palace of the King of Denmark. One evening, he is paid a visit by the monarch himself, Christian VII, who is still nominally head of the kingdom but is considered not to be in full possession of his senses and has been pushed aside by his son and court. During their nocturnal talks, the watchmaker tells His Majesty the sad story of his father and foster mother, who were executed by the order of the previous king, Christian’s father.

The King and the Clockmaker is set in the 18th century in both the southern part of the Westfjords in Iceland and in Copenhagen. It tells a complex and tragic story in a powerful and moving exposition of the bitter fates of Icelandic commoners and the authority to which they are subject.

Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2021.