KatPen

Hi,
As part of the preparation for an upcoming trip, I would like to read some novels either set in Iceland, or giving a historical background. I would be happy for any suggestions. thanks

jubilada

I liked Burial Rights.

hetismij2

You could try the Indridason crime novels. Very Nordic Noir, but they give a good insight into Icelandic life. They are best read in order. He has some other, non crime novels too, but I haven't read those (yet).
http://www.amazon.com/Arnaldur-Indridason/e/B001ILIBV0

traveller1959

Gunnar Gunnarsson is one of the most active Icelandic authors who has written in the first half of the 20th century, often adopting mythological themes and places. Some of his novels are translated into English.

StCirq

I agree with hetismij. I find Indridason novels gripping (my husband can't get more than 5 pages into one, though).

KatPen

Thanks for all suggestions so far. If I was only going to try for one Indridason novel, which would you recommend? A few Amazon reviewers have said that Silence of the Grave is better than the first novel, Jar City. Can I read it without reading the first one?
Anyone read
Iceland: Land of the Sagas by Jon Krakauer. I came across it also on Amazon.

IrishDeb

I would also recommend Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. It is based on a true story and supposedly a movie is scheduled to be made starring Jennifer Lawrnce.

Adelaidean

And Hannah Kent is from Adelaide! (She went to Iceland on a school exchange)

inspiredexplorer

Loved Burial Rites! Another recommendation. It's very atmospheric and moody, really evoked time and place for me.

jubilada

You can read silence of the grave first.

IMDonehere

For historical knowledge, try the eddas.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/