Candice's Reviews > Independent People
Independent People (Vintage International)
by
by
Despite the reviews below, this book is not about sheep.
Independent People is about the complex intersection of pride and poverty. It is the story of the fiercely strong and intelligent everyman who has little to show for their successes yet holds their successes with high esteem. It is also about how one's endless struggle to be self-sufficient can make one bitter, senseless, hypocritical and cold.
This book is not about sheep at all. Main character Bjartur is preoccupied with sheep because being a sheep farmer is what helps him remain self-sufficient and independent. He defines himself as an independent man who has worked off all his debts to have a small farmhouse and a flock of sheep.
Laxness' writing is incredibly detailed, making this Icelandic saga-styled novel a bit arduous to read at times; but all the same, it is this detail is what makes the story so rich. Take this quote, for instance:
"And when the spring breezes blow up the valley; when the spring sun shines on last year's withered grass on the river banks; and on the lake; and on the lake's two white swans; and coaxes the new grass out of the spongy soil in the marshes - who could believe on such a day that this peaceful, grassy valley brooded over the story of our past; and over its spectres?"
As someone previously wrote in their review, every sentence is like a new story, full of lush imagery and genuine meaning. Absolutely lovely.
Independent People is about the complex intersection of pride and poverty. It is the story of the fiercely strong and intelligent everyman who has little to show for their successes yet holds their successes with high esteem. It is also about how one's endless struggle to be self-sufficient can make one bitter, senseless, hypocritical and cold.
This book is not about sheep at all. Main character Bjartur is preoccupied with sheep because being a sheep farmer is what helps him remain self-sufficient and independent. He defines himself as an independent man who has worked off all his debts to have a small farmhouse and a flock of sheep.
Laxness' writing is incredibly detailed, making this Icelandic saga-styled novel a bit arduous to read at times; but all the same, it is this detail is what makes the story so rich. Take this quote, for instance:
"And when the spring breezes blow up the valley; when the spring sun shines on last year's withered grass on the river banks; and on the lake; and on the lake's two white swans; and coaxes the new grass out of the spongy soil in the marshes - who could believe on such a day that this peaceful, grassy valley brooded over the story of our past; and over its spectres?"
As someone previously wrote in their review, every sentence is like a new story, full of lush imagery and genuine meaning. Absolutely lovely.
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Quotes Candice Liked
“And when the spring breezes blow up the valley; when the spring sun shines on last year's withered grass on the river banks; and on the lake; and on the lake's two white swans; and coaxes the new grass out of the spongy soil in the marshes - who could believe on such a day that this peaceful, grassy valley brooded over the story of our past; and over its spectres?”
― Independent People
― Independent People