Miss Iceland
Miss Iceland by Audur Ava Olafsdottir, published by Pushkin Press in May 2020, is a work of fiction set in the 1960s. The narrative follows Hekla, a woman determined to become a writer in a country renowned for its literary heritage but constrained by societal expectations. As she embarks on her journey to Reykjavík with her belongings and a manuscript, Hekla navigates the challenges of a conservative society that offers limited opportunities for women, juxtaposed against a backdrop of cultural change.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of Hekla’s struggles as she grapples with her aspirations amidst the realities of marriage, motherhood, and the daily grind of waitressing. The story also highlights her friendship with Jon, who shares his own dreams while facing the harshness of life in a small town. As the world around them evolves, Hekla’s encounters with a poet reveal deeper truths about her art and the necessity of seeking freedom beyond her homeland. This edition spans 256 pages and is presented in English, inviting readers to engage with Hekla’s journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Official synopsis Publisher
Iceland in the 1960s. Hekla always knew she wanted to be a writer. In a nation of poets, where each household proudly displays leatherbound volumes of the Sagas, and there are more writers per capita than anywhere else in the world, there is only one problem: she is a woman. After packing her few belongings, including James Joyce’s Ulysses and a Remington typewriter, Hekla heads for Reykjavík with a manuscript buried in her bags. She moves in with her friend Jon, a gay man who longs to work in the theater, but can only find dangerous, backbreaking work on fishing trawlers. Hekla’s opportunities are equally limited: marriage and babies, or her job as a waitress, in which harassment from customers is part of the daily grind. The two friends feel completely out of place in a small and conservative world. And yet that world is changing: JFK is shot and hemlines are rising. In Iceland another volcano erupts and Hekla meets a poet who brings to light harsh realities about her art. Hekla realizes she must escape to find freedom abroad, whatever the cost.
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