Scan barcode
A review by jentidders
A Fist or a Heart by Kristín Eiríksdóttir
4.0
In this Icelandic Literary Prize-winning novel (and the first of her books to be translated to English) Kristín Eiríksdóttir explores topics of loneliness, isolation, power, secrets and dementia.
In Reykjavík, 70-something loner Elín Jónsdóttir makes props and prosthetics for film and theatre. When she meets Ellen Álfsdóttir, a young avant-garde playwright and the illegitimate daughter of an old acquaintance, she becomes gradually more fascinated and obsessed.
Long repressed memories are stirred, but as Elin tries harder to connect with Ellen, the more her grip on reality unravels.
At times I was a little unsure of what was happening and wondered if this was due cultural stylistic difference, but as I reached the ending, I decided it was deliberate. I'm not sure I completely understood, but I have my own theory about the conclusion, and I definitely thought about it for a few days afterwards.
Over the past couple of years, it's been great seeing so many non-English authors, particularly women, being translated, giving an opportunity for readers to experience other perspectives. I hope to see more in English by Kristín Eiríksdóttir soon.
In Reykjavík, 70-something loner Elín Jónsdóttir makes props and prosthetics for film and theatre. When she meets Ellen Álfsdóttir, a young avant-garde playwright and the illegitimate daughter of an old acquaintance, she becomes gradually more fascinated and obsessed.
Long repressed memories are stirred, but as Elin tries harder to connect with Ellen, the more her grip on reality unravels.
At times I was a little unsure of what was happening and wondered if this was due cultural stylistic difference, but as I reached the ending, I decided it was deliberate. I'm not sure I completely understood, but I have my own theory about the conclusion, and I definitely thought about it for a few days afterwards.
Over the past couple of years, it's been great seeing so many non-English authors, particularly women, being translated, giving an opportunity for readers to experience other perspectives. I hope to see more in English by Kristín Eiríksdóttir soon.