Doll (2015)

Gerdur Kristny, Linda Olafsdottir (illustrator)

2015

108 pages

Children's Books

9-12 years

Illustrated

“Aren’t you too old for a doll?” asked my mom, looking away from me. “Nuh-uh!” I said, shocked. “All the girls my age go crazy about dolls. They aren’t for little girls, either.” “Why not?” “These aren’t normal dolls. You have to take really good care of them.” After her tenth birthday, Kristin Katla could finally buy herself the doll that all the girls were totally obsessed with. She doesn’t care that Petur Uni, her twin brother, makes fun of her — it’s a doll for older girls. She murmurs and giggles when she likes something and her hair smells wonderful. But why does Petur Uni think the doll is creepy? Could it be that she can do more than the girls ever imagined? Doll is a thrilling story for readers aged eight and older which will make the hair on your neck stand on end.

Doll (2015)

Reviews

... a hugely thrilling story … A chilling book for the youngest adrenaline junkies that also deals with friendship, lovely family relations, and learning to live with grief.

Halla Thorlaug Oskarsdottir, Frettabladid

An unusual children's story … a very well written tale with an agreeable amount of horror—not too grisly, just enough to give you goose pimples as you read. Beautifully designed with effective illustrations.

Arni Matthiasson, Morgunbladid

What stands out about this book is the quality of the writing; it is extremely clear and full of nuances—light years ahead of most books written for children. For this, Gerdur Kristny deserves unconditional praise.

Fridrika Benonysdottir, Frettatiminn

I would have given a lot for a book like this when I was growing up … While the story incorporates an element of horror, the writer never oversteps the mark – the book just becomes more and more thrilling. It also deals with heartache, pangs of conscience, and the loss of a father … This excellent book by Gerdur Kristny tackles these issues with sensitivity and understanding.

Gudridur Haraldsdottir, Vikan

Occasionally letting things scare you can be in a way refreshing; Doll does this extremely well. The story is exciting and eerie to just the right degree, keeping readers on the case without scaring them too much, while at the same time making them think about what really matters in life.

Maria Bjarkadottir / Bokmenntir.is

Doll dances an exquisitely balanced path – playing disturbingly with memory and images that readers will recognise, it is also beautiful ... The text is wonderfully written, being sophisticated and extremely beautiful, while Linda Olafsdottir's sinister illustrations create the perfect atmosphere of appropriate menace. Gerdur Kristny is a very skilful children's writer, and this well-crafted horror story is an excellent contribution to Icelandic children's literature.

Hildur Yr Isberg, Sirkustjaldid

Incredibly exciting ... Five Stars, no question.

Anna Kristin Halldorsdottir, Pjatt.is

Doll is a spooky as well as tragic story; to create a suitably ghostly story for children while also writing about grief and loss without overdoing things is no easy task. Gerdur Kristny succeeds very skilfully on both levels in one and the same book, surely a considerable achievement. As in all her books, Gerdur Kristny treats her young readers with great respect, exemplified by the manner in which she addresses her readers and the care with which she crafts her text, which is vivid and beautiful.

Helga Birgisdottir, Hugras

Such a well-written book.

Kolbrun Bergthorsdottir, Kiljan, Icelandic TV

The Icelandic book market is very fortunate indeed to have such a talented writer as Gerdur Kristny writing children's literature.

Haukur Ingvarsson, Kiljan, Icelandic TV