Compared to a decade ago, there are now three times as many Icelandic books translated into upwards of 50 foreign languages. Good translators make all the difference in ensuring that Icelandic books reach foreign readers while still maintaining their essential artistic value.

The award Orðstír, an honorary award for translations of Icelandic literature to a foreign language, is presented biannually, in conjunction with the Reykjavik International Literary Festival. The award is presented for an excellent translation of a work of Icelandic literature into another language, resulting in the increased renown of Icelandic literature abroad.

The Göteborg Book Fair will be held September 23-26 and now authors and book lovers will get a chance to meet although the fair will be smaller than before. 

The Reykjavík International Literary Festival will be held September 8 - 11 and will this be the 15th festival to be held in Reykjavík. The festival offers interesting and entertaining programs for literature enthusiasts.

Guðrún Baldvinsdóttir started working at the Icelandic Literature Center in August and will replace Gréta María Bergsdóttir who has been the project manager for the past five years.

Works by authors Olga Tokarczuk, Alejandro Palomas, Carson Ellis, Friedrich Hölderlin, Kim Thuy, Hal Sirowitz, Barbara Demick and many more receive translation grants.

The Icelandic Literature Center's office in Reykjavík has moved temporarily to Tryggvagata 11, due to constructions at Hverfisgata.

Due to summer vacations, the Icelandic Literature Center's office will be closed from 5th July to 3rd August. 

Grassroots Grants are awarded annually to emerging writers in order to support and encourage them on their path.

Here you can watch the animated version of our selected titles in Books from Iceland 2021.