Reviews

I've read several Nordic authors the last few years so I was looking forward to expanding out to Icelandic authors. However, I was disappointed with this novel; more specifically, with the translation. Phraseology was often clumsy, especially the vernacular. I think some of the other more negative reviews may be due to the fact that the translation is awkward or downright incorrect. The story was a nice one, but I felt it could have been developed a little more.

scrabblerz's review

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2.0

After the reviews and interviews and prizes, I thought I would like this more. I think something may have been lost in translation from Icelandic...

wildflower37's review

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4.0

Very unusual story of a young Icelandic man who is figuring out what to do with his life. He misses his deceased mother and learns he is to be the father of a child resulting froma single encounter with a woman. He journeys to another country to restore an ancient rose garden.

Parts of the story feel fable-like, particularly because the countries through which he journeys and languages that are spoken are not named. There are archetypal forsts and religious allusions. It sounds cluttered but is actually a spare, meditative story. Unique, beautiful, recommended.

elyseng's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Un récit doux et surprenant.

malex's review against another edition

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Je me suis arrêtée à la moitié, trop lent et ennuyeux pour moi :/

elwoodicious's review

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3.0

A sweet, gentle, and short novel about finding one's direction and purpose.

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