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Fantasy and science fiction have been gaining ground in Icelandic literature in recent years. Authors have begun grappling with the big questions that the future holds, as well as the immense changes that could sweep across the world.
But don’t worry — the world isn’t about to end, at least not yet. Still, it is interesting to imagine what might happen, and what might come next.
In his books, Ingi Markússon creates a world set in an indeterminate future on the planet Earth. Humanity has been wiped out, and the only remnants of humankind are the ruins of cities, bitter cold, and strange machines. A new species has taken over: Stjarneygingar, Ístúatörur, and enormous polar animals. There are also sorcerers, and magic hangs in the air. Faith in the light of the stars has held the community together — but when the stars disappear, what will take their place?
Nína Ólafsdóttir takes on a more immediate future on the planet Earth. The protagonist travels through cold, remote landscapes that appear to be in Greenland. At the beginning of the book, however, she lands on an iceberg that carries her to the European mainland, far to the north. The story then follows her as she travels across the continent towards the Mediterranean. Her dog accompanies her — her friend and only companion on the journey. Their bond is strong and beautifully portrayed throughout all the hardships they encounter.
These books by Ingi and Nína are their first works, and their command of the language, together with their skill in depicting such a harsh and unforgiving world, clearly demonstrates what promising writers they are.