Desidert

Desidert is a novel by the Icelandic author Halldór Laxness, first published in 1936. It is the seventh and final book in the Iceland's Children series, a collection of novels that follow the lives of several generations of a single Icelandic family.

The novel is set in the mid-19th century and explores the experiences of two brothers, Jim and Hnetunn, as they navigate the challenges of rural Icelandic life. Through their struggles and triumphs, the novel provides a nuanced portrayal of the harsh realities of Icelandic culture and society during this period.

Laxness's writing style in Desidert has been praised for its lyricism and poetic quality, as well as its unflinching portrayal of the difficulties faced by Iceland's rural population at the time. The novel has been interpreted as a exploration of themes such as identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.

Desidert is considered one of Laxness's most mature works and is notable for its use of a complex narrative structure, which weaves together the stories of multiple characters and generations. The novel has been recognized for its contribution to Icelandic literature and has been widely translated and studied.

The novel's title, Desidert, is Norwegian-Danish for "the wretch" or "the outcast", which reflects the themes of poverty, isolation, and marginalization that are central to the narrative. Through Desidert, Laxness provides a compelling and thought-provoking portrayal of the challenges faced by Iceland's rural population during this period, shedding light on the complexities of human experience.