Upcoming Icelandic books in 22 languages
Interest in Icelandic literature is keen internationally, as witness the number of applications for translations grants received by the Icelandic Literature Center.
Icelandic Literature Center recently allocated 54 translations grants for translations from Icelandic into 22 languages.
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A few of the books that are expected this year
Icelandic Literature Center recently allocated 54 translations grants for translations from Icelandic into 22 languages; contemporary novels, poetry, children's books, biographies and medieval sagas. Applications deadline is twice a year, in February and in September.
it is notable that Icelandic books are now travelling abroad almost as soon as they are published in Iceland. For example Fríða Ísberg's debut novel, Merking, which will be published in English and German this year, and Úti by Ragnar Jónason will be out in English next fall.
The San Francisco Ballet publishes Helgi Tómasson's biography by Þorvaldur Kristinsson in an English translation. This is the highest grant amount that was awarded, along with Jón Kalman Stefánsson's Fjarvera þín er myrkur in German. Jón Kalman's book is also to be expected in Danish and Dutch.
The Icelandic Crime Novel continues to seek attention, especially in English speaking countries. Crime-thirsty readers can look forward to upcoming books this year, from authors such as Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, Lilja Sigurðardóttir, Sólveig Pálsdóttir and Ragnar Jónasson, all in English.
Take a look at all the grant allocations here.