The Reckoning (2013)
2013
350 pages
Fiction
The Reckoning takes place in the present, in a secluded valley in Iceland called Hlidardalur, an oldfashioned farming community that fosters love of the land, solidarity, frugality and industriousness. When the entire valley comes under threat from natural disasters, struggle with bankers and crime, the local farmers must unite to stave off catastrophy and save the community. The Reckoning is brimming with kindness, affection and friendship while also sarcastic, sharp and thrilling at the same time. On the whole witty and great fun.
Reviews
“All of present Iceland forms the foundation of this novel which tells about natural catastrophes, described with artistic vigor. When Oskar Magnusson presents his first novel there are no half-measures. Here we have a cool and exciting text that will make a lot of readers happy. The conclusion: many will find it a true Icelandic magical realism.”
OLAFUR GUNNARSSON, AUTHOR
“An ironic and humorous social critique, coloured with frankness and drama. It hits home.”
OLINA THORVARDARDOTTIR, DV
“If anything typifies the Icelandic literary tradition, it is narrative exuberance. It is boundless in Oskar Magnusson’s new book … Oskar’s principle strength is … sensitivity to the ironies of life.”
SKAFTI TH. HALLDORSSON, MORGUNBLADID DAILY
“A new Icelandic saga. A wry and often hilarious social commentary, brimming with compassion and humour, written with a love for language, the tragedy and comedy of the monotonous but diverse life.”
PALL BALDVIN BALDVINSSON