Auður Jónsdóttir is one of the most accomplished and influential authors writing in Iceland today. Her novels have inspired interest in Iceland, as well as abroad, for their rare blend of incisive frankness and humor. She won the Icelandic Literary Prize for The People in the Basement and the Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize for Secretaries to the Spirits. Both novels were nominated for the Nordic Council’s Literature Prize.
Auður’s latest novel, Quake (Stóri skjálfti), became her most successful publication to date and gathered a huge following among Icelandic readers of all ages, strengthening her position as an important writer of her generation.
Questions I Asked Auður Jónsdóttir
- Your grandfather, Halldór Laxness, is one of the most famous Icelanders. For those that are unaware, he won the Noble Prize for literature in 1955. Was he an influence for why you became a writer?
- Is a goal for you to also win the Noble Prize, or is it just nice if it happens?
- Where do you get the ideas for your book topics?
- You are considered one of the most important writers of your generation in Iceland. Why do you think your books resonate so well with generation here?
- You worked as an in-house writer for the Reykjavík City Theater, which resulted in a play being adapted from your book, “The People in the Basement”. What was that process like (going from writing novels to writing a play)?
- Are there any authors (other than your grandfather), Icelandic or otherwise, that have inspired your writing or you admire?
- What, for you, is the most challenging part when it comes to writing a book?
- What advice do you have for people who want a career in writing?
- What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?
Visit Halldór Laxness' Home in Iceland
A while back, I did a podcast episode about Auður’s grandfather, Halldór Laxness. He was a fascinating person, and as mentioned, the only Icelander to receive a Nobel Prize (so far).
If you are interested in visiting his home, Gljúfrasteinn, which is now a museum, check out this link.
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