Hot in Iceland, says New York

(From Publishing trends, New York)

Hot in Iceland at the moment is young author Audur Jónsdóttir, recipient of the Icelandic Literary Prize, nominee for the Nordic Council Literary prize, and granddaughter of Nobel Prizewinner Halldor Laxness.

Her famous grandfather served as inspiration for a children’s book in 2002, but her multicultural experiences living in Barcelona and Denmark are the fodder for her latest novel. A story set in a nameless city in a nameless country, Deposit deals with the seemingly ubiquitous issues of immigration and culture clash.

Unlike other novels of “integration” which are often told through the eyes of the immigrant, Deposit speaks from the perspective of the already established. A middle-aged heiress finds her wealth dwindling after many years of a spoiled existence, so, to bring in some extra cash, she writes an article about homelessness. In her new knowledge she finds a way to generate income. She rents out three rooms in her family’s mansion to three women from very different backgrounds.

The women find their new landlady a tyrant who eventually uses the young daughter of one of them in a power play that culminates in a startling finale. A critic from the leading Icelandic newspaper says Deposit is “poignant and beautifully styled, a well- thought out novel about major issues.” For rights information, contact Trine Licht at Licht & Burr Literary Agency ApS

February 2007

MARKET PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING TRENDS

News & Opinion on the Changing World of Book Publishing

Volume XIV, Number I

Website: www.publishingtrends.com/