Iceland's Bell

I found this book quite tedious to read. I've read a couple other books by Laxness, and I wouldn't recommend this one as your first Laxness experience!Edit - However, if you are into Icelandic history, this could be just the one for you. The early rule by Denmark is interesting to read about, with Laxness characters weaving in and out through time to tell the story.

I read Independent People a few years ago, after returning from a trip to Iceland and was intrigued. I enjoyed this novel more than Independent People, which I liked a lot. It's much faster moving and loaded with interesting characters that I really got into. After seeing the prosperity of modern-day Iceland, it's amazing to consider how poor off the country was, not even that long ago. The condition of the people is every bit as bleak as the landscape Laxness paints in Iceland's Bell. I won't try to summarize the story, as other reviewers have already done that.The novel draws you in and keeps you there the entire time. I hated to have it end. What more do you want in a book? I see several more Laxness novels have been translated, so I think I'll order a couple more. Try reading one of the sagas, such as Njall's Saga before reading Iceland's Bell, you'll get a better appreciation for the importance of those early writings in Iceland's history and culture, and enjoy the book even more. If you enjoy Steinbeck, give Laxness a try. You'll be glad you did.

I'm better at appreciating the insight the book gave me into the extremely difficult life these people had in their land of hardship during this time than I am at assessing the writing itself. I believe that the writing is masterful (if not always transparant) but I know that the description of life in this land frozen out of abundance by both nature and politics will give me a lasting memory of this book.

The story of Iceland's Bell is told in three parts beginning with the sentence of farmer Jón Hreggviðsson for the mysterious murder of a royal executioner. Jón's attempts to save his neck lead him to deal with the crafty and beautiful Snæfríður and the devoted manuscript collector Arnas Arnæus. The lives and stories of these rich characters develop against the backdrop of an Iceland crushed under Danish oppression. Laxness paints a vivid picture of a resilient people and their struggle to remain proud and independent despite the circumstances.

My nephew loved this book, but I'm having a tough time. I'm about 40% through and have put it aside for now. It's done in a very flat, black humor style, and while it's been pretty entertaining, and at times pretty interesting, I just feel like it's just a little too much work for this reader.

This book about life in Iceland in the late 1700s provides an excellent history of the country and culture of the period. Most of the characters are based on actual people and Laxness is a master of character development. The main plot consists of the linked fates of a noblewoman and a poor tenant farmer, and treats the grim existence of the Icelanders with droll humor.

I have read Iceland's Bell three times since I first discovered this author two years ago. The story is engaging, and the read rewarding. As with all of Laxness writing, there is a strong element of Icelandic history intertwined with elegant prose.

It's a bit of a heavy read at first until you get into the style, and then it got better and better. I read 3 of Laxness and I think "Independent People" was the best.

I found this book really heavy going. Such a disappointment after Independent People and The Fish Can Sing. I did not even finish it - I cannot remember the last time I gave up on a book.

A beautiful book that makes us think and wonder at each line!