Independent People by Halldór Laxness!

In this video I give you my thoughts and feelings regarding the Icelandic masterpiece that this books is. The book has been recommended to me a lot and I finally got around to read it. I generally like reading about rural places and this time is no different. Hope you like it.
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Thank you for watching!

[@tomsmith5202]

As a native english speaker, I found the translation great. E.g it’s common knowledge in the UK that fell is a northern English word that describe mountains most common in Cumbria and does indeed originate from when the Vikings colonised Cumbria. I actually think this is an excellent detail as he uses a word of Nordic origin.

[@professorbatty6850]

I've discussed this book with Icelanders and they have all stated that Thompson's translation is the best they've ever read. If there were to be a "modernized" translation you would invariably lose a lot of the "archaic" words, but I think the reader would be poorer for it. There is a website devoted to his English translations: Laxness in Translation. It would might be worth a look, some of his other books are extremely challenging. No challenge = no gain.

[@becomingabookworm]

I have a couple of his stories translated into Norwegian, so it will be interesting to compare. Thanks for the tip about the website! When it comes to challenging books I tend to not like them as much. I often just get frustrated, but that´s just me. Thanks for watching :)!

[@benedictekaufman1640]

It was so nice to listen to your post, mange takk! I listened to the book, and I will have to read it in print. Much like you, I will go back to this book in my life. I was not very happy with Bjartur at times as well, but I agree that he is a well developed character and it is an incredibly beautiful book. I think of it often. I was so taken by Bjartur’s epic journey through highlands and river and even on a reindeer! i agree with the timelessness of it, it may be connected to the Icelandic literary tradition of weaving stories while surviving in really difficult conditions. It is about sheep and it is about being human. It is a gorgeous book and I am in awe of it. Now, I think I missed some of the humor. Glad you mentioned it! I’ll be sure to look for that next time.

[@becomingabookworm]

Takk! I still think about this book from time to time and I am glad I read it. Some books makes a lasting impression and to me this is one of them.

[@rishabhaniket1952]

Call me mad, but I find archaic translations better than the modern ones. It transports you back to that era and you discover more. I was recently reading a modern acclaimed translation of War and Peace and one of the character says, ‘Wow! Nice pair of wheels’ when a carriage stops outside his house. Now imagine a 19th century Russian nobleman talking like that. Just kills the mood.

[@becomingabookworm]

I don’t think you’re alone feeling that way. I blame my English. Would maybe appreciate it more if I did not have to look up the words. And wow, I see how that W&P could ruin it a bit 😅

[@barbaranjau]

Thanks for this video - I came back from an amazing trip to Iceland two weeks ago, I've just finished reading 'Independent People' and watching your review really helped me digest the book in my mind! 😄

[@becomingabookworm]

Glad I could help! I have never been there, but Iceland seems like an amazing destination.

[@barbaranjau]

@@becomingabookworm it is! I would massively recommend a visit - 'Independent People' made more sense to me after visiting... I think I would have hated the book if I hadn't first visited Iceland

[@denominator208]

I'm glad you didn't digest it in your stomach!

[@b_matthew1850]

nice video. I also had to take breaks and started over after 100 pages. It would be nice if there was a more modern translation to make it easier, as I had to look up many words.. however, Laxness's prose is definitely one that might make you stop and think every so often, and his humor is... unique :)

[@jakeschell3941]

Totally enjoyed Independent People and YES it sticks in your mind!

[@richdudley2888]

Great review. I was slightly struck by your issues with English words such as 'Fell', for a hillside etc. It had never occurred to me that that wasn't a word which carried with English internationally. Here, in the north of England, we're surrounded by hills or mountains which are also called: Fells or Pikes or Summits or Peaks or Tors or Scouts or Ridges or Hikes. All of which are used in the various names for elevated land. Fell-walking is a perfectly common phrase in English for 'hiking' or 'rambling'. Scafell Pike being the highest mountain in England. 'Ling' as well, is a perfectly common term for Heather, in the north of England & Scotland, and is not in anyway uncommon or archaic. But, again, another word I had never realized didn't carry internationally.

[@becomingabookworm]

Thanks! That is interesting. I can only speak for myself, but I do believe "fell" is not that widely used among non native english speakers. The other words you mention I have heard except Tors. Ling carries quite well to Norwegian because here the most common term for ling is lyng. But when I hear the word "Heather" I have to take a second to remember what it is. Maybe just because it´s not the most common word in the books I tend to read. Anyway, I will try to use the word Fell as often as I can from now on!

[@reaganwiles_art]

Sounds like my dad, so I don't know... I'd read it I guess. I have never read a book from Iceland. Have you reviewed Growth of the Soil by Hamsun? I have that one and I read half years ago. I became distracted. It is a book I'd like to finish.

[@becomingabookworm]

Haha.. I did not mention it, but there were times when I saw myself in Bjartur, and it did not feel good. I have actually started Growth of the soil but I never really finished it. It was at a time where I did not read much, but I will pick it up again one day.

[@LunaciaBooks]

When I studied Library and Information Science, I did a module on Icelandic literature, but I never got around to read anything by Halldór Laxness. But I do have a thing for Icelandic literature. I wonder how it would be like to read it in Norwegian translation, rather than English?

[@becomingabookworm]

Yes, me too. I have two of his books in Norwegian translation, so at some point I will find out. But it was nevertheless a good book in my opinion.

[@LunaciaBooks]

@@becomingabookworm Cool. 😊

[@coopaloopmex]

Timelessness, YES. When WWI breaks out, it was awesome because for the first 400 pages, the century is completely unknown. It could be 1900, but it also could be 1400, there is NO reference of time whatsoever. Then all of the sudden, OH! it's 1915, okay. Thanks for the reivew, I wish more people read Laxness. I get why you gave it 3 out of 5, but this was tip-top book for me. 10 out of 5 stars lol

[@becomingabookworm]

Agreed! 3/5 but still a book I very much think about and that says something. I am also pretty sure I will read more from him.

[@coopaloopmex]

​@@becomingabookworm Under the Glacier was my first Laxness I read, and I really enjoyed it. Very funny but in a sardonic manner. You may like it too

[@becomingabookworm]

@@coopaloopmex Thanks for the suggestion :) I already have Iceland’s Bell standing in my shelf, so maybe I’ll start there.