The President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, presented the 2019 Icelandic Literary Prize at Bessastaðir the Presidential Residence

7. February, 2020

Sölvi Björn Sigurðsson was awarded the prize for his book Selta: apókrýfa úr ævi landlæknis, Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir for her book Langelstur að eilífu, and Jón Viðar Jónsson for Stjörnur og stórveldi á leiksviðum Reykjavíkur 1925-1965.

The President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, presented the 2019 Icelandic Literary Prize in the presidential recidence Bessastaðir on Tuesday 28th of January. The event was televised live on RÚV.

This time around 135 books from 36 different publishers were long listed and five books were nominated in each category.

Sölvi Björn Sigurðsson received the prize for his book Selta: apókrýfa úr ævi landlæknis (publ. Sögur) in the category of fiction, Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir for Langelstur að eilífu (publ. Bókabeitan) in the category of childrens' and young adult category, and Jón Viðar Jónsson received the prize in the category of non-fiction for his book Stjörnur og stórveldi á leiksviði Reykjavíkur 1925-1965 (publ. Skrudda).

Selta: apókrýfa úr ævi landlæknis 

Selta: apókrýfa úr ævi landlæknis by Sölvi Björn Sigurðsson is a novel set in Iceland in the autumn of 1839. It tells the story of the postman Mister Undertaker who finds an unknown boy by Hjörleifshöfði in the south of Iceland. He takes him to the General Surgeon to whom falls the task of resuscitating the lad. The two men, Mister Undertaker and the doctor, decide to embark on a quest to find the child's origin, which leads to a great journey with many adventures for the three of them. 

Jury's Comments:

An original and evocative story taking the reader on a journey through space and time, across water and land, and not least – within to the depths of the soul. On the surface, the narrative is set two centuries ago and yet it wanders on the edge of reality and fantasy. The story is infused with a register befitting both the time and the mode of narration, and in this the author displays an extraordinary ingenuity of style.

Langelstur að eilífu

Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir tackles death in her book Langelstur að eilífu, which is the third installation in her series about Rögnvaldur and Eyja, who are best friends despite the 90-year difference in age. The author says it is important to discuss sensitive issues, such as death, with children in an honest and respectful way. “I think it is important to talk to children sincerely, as equals, and with respect. They are individuals too, with a range of emotions.”

Jury's Comments:

The book Langelstur að eilífu takes on issues of old age, death, and sorrow in a frank manner. These sensitive issues are beautifully presented both in text and illustrations that work together to convey the story. This is a poignant and yet funny and interesting book about a very necessary topic for children.

Stjörnur og stórveldi á leiksviðum Reykjavíkur 1925-1965

In his book Stjörnur og stórveldi á leiksviðum Reykjavíkur 1925-1965, Jón Viðar Jónsson sheds light on an important chapter of Icelandic theatre history. He tells the story of the principal actors of the period, recounts their triumphs and downfalls, and discusses in detail the power struggles behind the scenes. The book discusses memorable thespians of the age with special focus on eleven individuals and their stories.

Jury's Comments:

Here, the principal stars of the country's theater history from the first half of the 20^th century are vividly depicted, and their art discussed in detail. Though the book focuses in part on individual actors and their careers, it also gives a continuous and clear picture of the first years of regular theatre activities in Iceland, not only with regard to the stage itself but also in radio and behind the scenes. Thus, this is an importance contribution to our theatre history.

The Icelandic Literary Prize, Prize Money, and Jury

The Icelandic Literary Prize grants one million ISK, funded by the Association of Icelandic Publishers, to the winner of each category.

A jury of four elected the winners from the fifteen books that were shortlisted in December 2019, five for each category. The jury members were Anna Þorbjörg Ingólfsdóttir, Bergsteinn Sigurðsson, Knútur Hafsteinsson, and Ingunn Ásdísardóttir, who also served as chair and was appointed by the President of Iceland.

The announcement from the 1 December about all the nominations for the Icelandic Literary Prize 2019 can be found here.