The Atom Station (1948)

1948

284 pages

Fiction

Modern Classics

The Atom Station (1948)

When the Americans make an offer to buy land in Iceland to build a NATO airbase after World War II, a storm of protest is provoked throughout the country. The airbase provides Laxness with the catalyst for his astonishing and powerful satire. Narrated by a country girl from the north, the novel follows her experiences after she takes up employment as a maid in the house of her Member of Parliament. A witty and moving satire on politics and politicians, Communists and anti-Communists, phoney culture fiends, big business, and all the pretensions of authority, Laxness' masterpiece of social commentary is as relevant today as when it was written in 1948.

Reviews

A poet who writes to the edge of the pages, a visionary who allows us a plot: he takes a Tolstoyan overview, he weaes in an Evelyn Waugh-like humour: it is not possible to be unimpressed. The right stuff, the real thing.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Atom Station is the work of someone who has seen every cherished dream sold down the river, but who loves humanity too much to despair. His heroine refuses to be bullied or bought, a feminist before her time, full of curiosity and spirit.

MICHAEL FABER, GUARDIAN

An extraordinary book, brimming with little wisdoms, funny episodes, sharp phrases...and a determined optimism of spirit.

THE TIMES

Laxness was a genius.

NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS

Magnus Magnusson's translation reads smoothly and skilfully renders Laxness's dry and quirky wit.

TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Above all else the writing of Laxness is beautiful. His countryman's eye finds wonder everywhere in the landscape.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

Rights Sold

Translation rights sold

BrazilEditora Zain

DenmarkCicero

FranceMessidor

GermanySteidl

ItalyIperborea

LebanonManshourat A-Jamal

Previously translated into 28 languages

SpainCátedra/Altaya

SwedenRabén & Sjögren

UK/USARandom House/Vintage