The Atom Station - Hardcover

Halldor Kiljan Laxness; Halldor

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0933256302 ISBN 13: 9780933256309

Publisher: Permanent Press, 1983

Synopsis

When the Americans make an offer to buy Icelandic land to build an atomic war base, a storm of protest is provoked throughout the country and it is here that Laxness finds the catalyst for his story. Told by a country girl from the north the novel follows her experiences upon taking up employment as a maid in the house of her Member of Parliament. She finds herself in a world very different to that of her upbringing and, marvelling at the customs and behaviour of the people around her, she emerges as the one obstinate reality in a world of fantasy. Her observations and experiences expose the intellectual society of the south as rootless and shallow and in stark contrast to the ancient culture of the solid and less fanciful north. The colourful, yet at times dark, cast of characters whom she meets personify the southern fantasy world. In this black comedy Laxness has painted a masterpiece of social commentary as relevant today as when it was first written in 1948.

About this title

Review:

"[Laxness’] voice has a very funny peculiar, refreshing and intriguing mix of comic irony and metaphysical angst" (Marina Warner Observer)

Book Description:

Keynote/Publisher's CommentA satire on politics, politicians, Communists, anti-Communists, phoney culture fiends, big business, and all the pretensions of authority - Laxness's vivid novel is a delight to read.

About this edition

• Publisher: Permanent Press
• Publication date: 1983
• ISBN 10: 0933256302
• ISBN 13: 9780933256309
• Binding: Hardcover