The Secrets of the Abandoned House (2019)

Snaebjorn Arngrimsson

2019

246 pages

Children's Books

9-12 years

Illustrated

13+ years

People say that someone still lives in the abandoned house even though Rolf was carried out in a coffin last year.

Gudjon G. Georgsson has just moved to Swanby and has the abandoned house on his mind. His friend Milla never saw her neighbor Rolf, the richest man in the village. He was an unfortunate, bad-tempered man who didn’t seem to like other people, since he was rarely seen out of doors. But one day, a mysterious wooden box appears on the steps of the library along with a letter from Rolf giving the villagers three clues – and an opportunity to discover the secrets surrounding his life and treasure. It will be dangerous, and certainly not easy, but it’s a good thing that Gudjon and Milla are on the same side.

The Secrets of the Abandoned House by Snaebjorn Arngrimsson won the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize in 2019 and was nominated for the Icelandic Bookseller’s Prize as the best children’s book of 2019. As with all the best children’s books, it is hard to put down.

R E V I E W S

Reviews

“A very well written book, unusual, fresh and funny, affectionate, malicious and exciting – once the reader has embarked, he does not want to stop reading. A very successful work!”

JON KALMAN STEFANSSON, WRITER

“I didn’t have to read for long to discover that this is a new and fresh voice in Icelandic children’s literature. Arngrimsson … manages to combine excitement, adventure, friendship and even a bit of science fiction in his story … Arngrimsson’s style is captivating; sharp and precise, which will go over well with younger readers. ... The author creates a wonderful but at the same time slightly menacing magical world. Everything is simple but at the same time so metaphorical. ... It would be curious, and no doubt great fun, to see the adventures of Milla and Gudjon G. Georgsson on the big screen.”

ERLA MARKUSDOTTIR, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“A very strong debut. Compelling, clever and fascinating storytelling which rests on history and the Icelandic sagas. Maybe it’s the best debut of the year, since Icelander Snaebjorn Arngrimsson has created an enchanting, especially impressive and overarching story, no less – what a debut! … Energetic storytelling.”

KENT POULSEN, BØRN & BØGER, DENMARK

“This is a good story, the likes of which one rarely finds ... you are always left wanting read another page.”

BOGANMELDELSEN, DENMARK

“It is a remarkably well written book...The style is catching and clear, and there are sweet and humerous undertones. The main characters are sympathetic youngsters, Gudjon is a bit of a loner, while Milla is very impulsive and brave. … The book tells an eventful story, the friends experience diverse adventures, and the suspense is non-abating. ... really excellent and deserving of a literary prize. The author is obviously talented, and he really can’t stop now. His literary career has just started. CONCLUSION: Snaebjorn Arngrimsson is obviously a talented writer, this is demonstrated by this very well-written novel, full of events, featuring characters the reader really grows fond of.”

KOLBRUN BERGTHORSDOTTIR, FRETTABLADID DAILY

FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE POSSIBLE “I think there is no way for me to express properly in this short paragraph the utterly overflowing suspense that inhabits this book, and how well the emotions of the kids are conveyed in writing. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book for everyone, kids, teenagers and adults alike. The book is probably intended for children aged 8-12 years of age, yet it can be enjoyed by all readers, not least by adults who want to revisit the expectation and suspense of youth.”

KATRIN LILJA, LESTRARKLEFINN

Rights Sold

SwedenABC Förlag

DenmarkABC Forlag

LithuaniaTerra Publica

UkraineCrocus

N. MacedoniaPublishing House Feniks