Icelandic Kings (2012)

2012

256 pages

Fiction

The Knudsen clan has ruled Tangavik for more than two centuries. They have built herring factories, warehouses, and shops, sat on the town council, owned factories, boats, fishing ships, freezing plants, conducted brass bands, choirs, and women’s associations. The Knudsen clan has built empires and lost them. It has disappeared and then reappeared, been both immensely popular and detested, and everything in between. The Knudsen clan in Tangavik is a colourful and party-loyal family with hard-working shipowners, dutiful bank managers, boozy shop owners, popular MPs, feisty beauty queens, and even loveable village idiots. The narrator is a former pupil of Arnfinnur Knudsen, one of the clan’s most impressive members of all time, and one of the most colourful characters in fiction. Einar Mar tackled the Icelandic economy in his last two poetical essay-stories,

Reviews

“Splendid fun.”

WEEKENDAVISEN, DENMARK

“I am very taken with the exuberance of this book, you never know where the narrator will take you. The only thing you can be certain of is that he will entertain you. I enjoyed myself immensely reading this book, it just put a big smile on my face! … You frequently laugh out loud, he is extremely funny … A highly enjoyable book.”

Kolbrun Bergthorsdottir, Kiljan, National TV

“This is clearly an image of Iceland in miniature … A greatly entertaining book.”

Egill Helgason, Kiljan, National TV

“The book is well written, Tangavik an intriguing setting and the characters interesting. On the other hand, people can argue passionately over whether this is an accurate portrayal of Icelandic society. Until the cows come home if they’re fanatic enough.”

Bogi Thor Arason, Morgunbladid

“A very lively narrative with seldom a dull moment. The author evidently takes great pleasure in entertaining people. … fires off jokes as if from an automatic rifle. … A playful critique of an Icelandic society rotten to the core.”

Thorunn Hrefna Sigurjonsdottir, Frettabladid

“The book is characterised by exceptionally exuberant narrative, colourful characters, a lot of humour and an incisive dissection of society. This is a vibrant book and a joy to read.”

Kolbrun Bergthorsdottir, Morgunbladid

“Five stars. Wonderful book about kings of all shapes and sizes.”

Alt for damerne, Denmark

“I strike it solid with royal seven inch nails that Gudmundsson´s book doesn´t lack narrative prowess and humor in them.”

Liselotte Wiemer, Kristeligt Dagblad, Denmark

“The literary quality of this story should appeal to a large portion of the library’s users where it could be introduced under titles such as “masterful stories from Iceland” or “family stories with a sting”. Droll, well written and outstanding family saga from Iceland which should exist in every public library in the country.”

Jacob Holm Krogsøe, DBC, Denmark

Rights Sold

NorwayCappelen Damm

SwedenNatur & Kultur

DenmarkLindhardt & Ringhof

Germany/Switzerland/AustriaRandom House/btb

Faroe IslandsSprotin

France/Switzerland/ LuxembourgZulma