Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Iceland's Bell (1943) 425 pgs A historical Novel

At the close of the 17th century, Iceland is an oppressed Danish colony, suffering under extreme poverty, famine, and plague. A farmer and accused cord-thief named Jon Hreggvidsson makes a bawdy joke about the Danish king and soon after finds himself a fugitive charged with the murder of the king’s hangman.

https://archive.org/details/icelandsb...

Halldór Laxness was born near Reykjavík, Iceland, in 1902. His first novel was published when he was 17. The undisputed master of contemporary Icelandic fiction and one of the most outstanding novelists of the century, Laxness wrote more than 60 books, including novels, short stories, essays, poems, plays, and memoirs. In 1955 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Laxness died in Iceland in 1998.

Any one up for a story of oppression, suffering and intrigue; of boisterous humour, deep poetry and star-crossed romance?

This is the edition that I will read into:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I've been slowly making my way through this novel since the end of May. I'm currently on p. 176 in the 2nd section of the book. Looking forward to the discussion thread!

Welcome Luis and Michelle!

Im still looking for a copy I want.

I've started right now!!

That is great Luis!
Let us know your thoughts.

Lesle wrote: "That is great Luis!
Let us know your thoughts."

Being Catholic once and then a fierce communist made him a great storyteller and an heir to great intellectualism. However, the book makes no initial reference to the Icelandic community. But I'm only just in the beginning.

Being half way through this book, I think one of the biggest strengths is how much the writing style reads like the Icelandic Sagas.

However, it is definitely not a quick read. I'm finding myself reading little bits at a time then needing a break. Glad I started in May.

Michelle wrote: "However, it is definitely not a quick read. I'm finding myself reading little bits at a time then needing a break. Glad I started in May. ..."

Thank you for that information. Will definitely be helpful

I've already read this beautiful book. Here's my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Luís what a wonderful review!!

Nice to hear that the translation is remarkable as well. I wasn't sure how it would transfer to Portuguese when I looked at you edition before reading the review.

Lesle wrote: "Luís what a wonderful review!!

Nice to hear that the translation is remarkable as well. I wasn't sure how it would transfer to Portuguese when I looked at you edition before reading the review."

Yes. Thank you. I've read many books by the author who translated this book. That's a renowned writer.

Luís wrote: "I've already read this beautiful book. Here's my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thanks for sharing your review!

Which of the books 3 sections did you end up finding as the most interesting?

Michelle wrote: "Luís wrote: "I've already read this beautiful book. Here's my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thanks for sharing your review!

Which of the books 3 sections did you end..."

Hi, Michelle! How are you? So far, I've read only two books by him:
Independent People &
Iceland's Bell

And I liked much more "Independent People".

Luís wrote: "And I liked much more "Independent People"..."

I heard it has some good humor in it.

Lesle wrote: "Luís wrote: "And I liked much more "Independent People"..."

I heard it has some good humor in it."

Yes, Lesle. And very dark.

Luís wrote: "Yes, Lesle. And very dark."

Not heard of that. Sounds interesting though.

Icelands Bell should be coming soon in the mail.

Lesle wrote: "Luís wrote: "Yes, Lesle. And very dark."

Not heard of that. Sounds interesting though.

Icelands Bell should be coming soon in the mail."

Great. I look forward to seeing your review soon.

This thread for Iceland's Bell will remain open for those still wishing to read.

Lesle wrote: "This thread for Iceland's Bell will remain open for those still wishing to read."

Great! I ended up getting sidetracked by other books, but want to finish this soon.

Michelle wrote: "Great! I ended up getting sidetracked by other books, but want to finish this soon."

I just got the book last week and my other read of the American Mystery I am only about 1/3 the way through.