During the final months of the Second World War, a translated novel by Halldór Laxness caught the attention of publisher Alfred A. Knopf. Although there were doubts about its potential success due to its unfamiliar style, characters, and atmosphere, a reader’s report confidently declared, “Those who read this book will never forget it.” This powerful endorsement led Knopf to publish the novel, titled “Independent People.” Little did they know that it would become a remarkable literary phenomenon.
A Tale of Independence and Resilience
“Independent People” tells the story of Bjartur of Summerhouses, an Icelandic farmer who, after years of servitude, becomes the proud owner of a wretched farm. He is determined to maintain his independence at all costs, even if it means sacrificing himself and his family. This grim yet captivating narrative is punctuated with passages that exude beauty, human dignity, and pathos. The reader remarked, “I want them permanently available for myself, my family, and my friends.” The book’s sales defied expectations.
A Journey Through Darkness
In its first year, “Independent People” sold over four hundred thousand copies in the United States. Nine years later, Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his epic power and his revival of Iceland’s great narrative tradition. However, despite this recognition, the novel that left an indelible mark on readers’ hearts was not reissued in the U.S. This pattern continued throughout the twentieth century, with the majority of Laxness’s sixty other books remaining unavailable in the United States.
The Enigmatic Eclipse
The reasons behind this long oblivion are multifaceted. Scholars argue that Laxness, an outspoken socialist and defender of Iceland’s independence, was informally blacklisted due to his criticism of Iceland’s decision to join NATO. The suspicion that he was using his royalties to support Icelandic Communists even led to an investigation by J. Edgar Hoover. Others suggest that the overwhelming sales of “Independent People” were primarily driven by the Book-of-the-Month Club, rather than spontaneous enthusiasm from bookstores.
A Renaissance in English
The tide began to turn in 1995 when writer Brad Leithauser published an essay in The New York Review of Books, reigniting interest in Laxness’s work. Leithauser declared that “Independent People” could be more than just a great book; it could be the book of one’s life. This essay marked the beginning of a Laxness renaissance that is still unfolding today.
A Literary Revival
Vintage International, recognizing the newfound appreciation for Laxness’s work, published a new edition of “Independent People” in 1997. Its continued popularity has led to thirty-six printings and a new hardcover edition in 2020. Vintage International has also released matching volumes of Laxness’s other novels, such as “World Light,” “Paradise Reclaimed,” and “The Fish Can Sing,” each adorned with vibrant colors reminiscent of Icelandic coastal villages. Archipelago has contributed to this literary revival with translations of “The Great Weaver from Kashmir” and “Wayward Heroes.” Most recently, Archipelago published Philip Roughton’s translation of “Salka Valka,” a gripping masterpiece that adds to the availability of Laxness’s major works in English.
Halldór Laxness, a writer with a remarkable life story, left an enduring legacy. Born into poverty, he defied the odds and pursued his passion for writing with unwavering determination. His journey encompassed travels through Europe, embracing different languages, cultures, and even religious conversions. Laxness’s private writings during this time reveal a complex personality torn between grandiose aspirations and crippling self-doubt.
To this day, only one major biography of Halldór Laxness, titled “The Islander” by Halldór Guðmundsson, exists in English. This comprehensive account takes readers on a fascinating journey through Laxness’s life, shedding light on the experiences that shaped his remarkable literary contributions.
The rediscovery of Halldór Laxness and the availability of his works in English have unlocked a treasure trove for readers around the world. His captivating narratives, filled with themes of independence, resilience, and universal human experiences, continue to captivate and inspire. Discover the enduring brilliance of Halldór Laxness and immerse yourself in his extraordinary literary world.