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A review by rieviolet
Miss Islanda by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I quite liked the general setting, I've never read about Icelandic society, let alone in the 1960s, and I appreciated the focus on the conditions of women and gay men.
Still, I'm not so sure about the actual characters and their portrayals, I struggled a bit to connect with them, especially with the main character Helka. Among everyone, my favourite character might actually be her best friend Ísey.
I appreciated the writing style, especially the descriptions of the landscape, they were very atmospheric. I also didn't mind the division in short sections, it made for a pacier reading, but I can see that it might also give a bit of a disjointed feeling to the narration.
Sometimes I struggled a bit with the tone, like I read a passage and I really could not understand if it was supposed to be funny?! I don't know if it is just me, it just felt strange, I couldn't get my head around it.
Also, I have to say I was disappointed by the end, it actually did not feel like much of an ending, more like an abrupt stop in the narration.
Still, I'm not so sure about the actual characters and their portrayals, I struggled a bit to connect with them, especially with the main character Helka. Among everyone, my favourite character might actually be her best friend Ísey.
I appreciated the writing style, especially the descriptions of the landscape, they were very atmospheric. I also didn't mind the division in short sections, it made for a pacier reading, but I can see that it might also give a bit of a disjointed feeling to the narration.
Sometimes I struggled a bit with the tone, like I read a passage and I really could not understand if it was supposed to be funny?! I don't know if it is just me, it just felt strange, I couldn't get my head around it.
Also, I have to say I was disappointed by the end, it actually did not feel like much of an ending, more like an abrupt stop in the narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
Moderate: Racism, Pregnancy, Suicide, Blood, Stalking, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Rape, War, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Cancer, Vomit, and Domestic abuse