The Blue Tower

When I picked up this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It was originally written in Icelandic and I knew next to nothing about Iceland. But as I started reading, I discovered the brilliant wit and engaging style of its author, Thorarinn Eldjarn. The Blue Tower tells the story of Gudmunder Andresson, a man who is imprisoned in the Blue Tower for violating the Great Edict, a stringent adultery law. As he sits in the Blue Tower, awaiting death, Gudmunder looks back upon his life. Although he is born a simple peasant, his determination and his insatiable thirst for knowledge allow him to become a religious scholar. Yet at every step of the way, the forces of jealousy and slander block him from attaining the success he deserves. Pompous bishops, mischievous schoolmates, and a wicked one-eyed tailor all try to destroy him. But his knowledge and his ardent faith serve to sustain him. This is a work of wit and wonder, as humorous as it is wise. It is truly one of the most intelligently written novels that you will ever read.