Monday Ice: Hannah Kent - Burial Rites

Agnes Magnúsdóttir is condemed to death for the murder of two men, the year is 1830 and her death  by beheading is the last execution in Iceland.  Burial Rites the debut novel written by Hannah Kent has just been published in Australia and will be released internationally later on in the year.  Hannah Kent spent a year here in Sauðárkrókur where she first heard about Agnes' story in 2002.  This novel has received very good reviews to date and I eagerly await the release of her book on this side of the world.

Monday Ice: Through the Windows of Brimnes

Another book recommendation this time from Maja...and in looking for information about it I stumbled across this lovely little video. Brimnes is a cottage in Hofsós, one that I have seen many times and always thought I would love to live there as it is right on the coast and has an amazing view.  I am hoping I can borrow the book to read from a bookclub member.

"Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow."~ Thornton Wilder

If you have read this blog for a while you will know that I every now and then follow and support Kickstarter projects, I don't give a lot of money but there are always pledge amounts that suit my budget.  I have just backed a couple of projects, one, purely for the reason of one artist supporting another, especially one (Aubrey Hayes) who wants to participate in an artists residency in Iceland....I couldn't not back this one.

As I was perusing the huge range of projects on offer I came across one that has left quite an impression on me.  An artist book project that I feel is so worthwhile and one that I am sure will make a difference to the lives of many, especially the authors.   These are personal stories, journals and images put together by returned soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. The stories they share all express a palpable intensity, often brutally honest with an authenticity that reveals the truths as they experienced them.   At the moment this project is for USA veterans and their families but I do hope this idea travels across oceans and continents and other veterans groups around the world source funding and set up similar workshops.

The Veterans book project website provides access to the stories where you can read them freely online, or from here you can purchase the printed bound soft cover copies or download to your computer a PDF version for free.

 source

These very personal and intimate narratives have touched me deeply and I thank all the authors for  having the courage to share their thoughts, experiences and insights.   I urge you to read a couple of the books and make your own mind up whether you feel this is a worthwhile project to back, if you feel the same as I, then click on their Kickstarter link in my sidebar.