'Independent People' by Halldór Laxness is a classic Icelandic novel first published in the early part of the 20th century. The novel tells the story of Bjartur of Summerhouses, a farmer who was born in the Icelandic countryside and who fiercely maintains his independence. Through a brutal narrative, Laxness depicts the harsh life in Iceland, detailing the bleakness of rural communities and their struggle to survive poverty.
The novel begins with Bjartur coming of age in the late nineteenth century, inheriting his father’s croft and taking over his responsibilities. He is a resilient character and is determined to use the land and its resources to survive. Despite his poverty, he begins to build a life for himself, buying sheep and a cow, as well as making and selling butter.
Bjartur’s stubbornness makes survival hard and his neighbors often respond to him and his family with contempt and occasional violence. He reacts aggressively, but is still perceived as an outsider and viewed with suspicion by his isolated village. Marriage strengthens his independence, bringing in some stability and comfort, but Bjartur remains deeply suspicious of anyone who tries to influence his life.
Bjartur’s daughter, Asta Solillja, is born not long after his first wife's death, costing him nearly all of his savings. The couple who take over Asta’s guardianship cause Bjartur great grief and pain, as they attempt to take control over her life, her money, and her education. But, in a story of rebellion and resilience, Asta proves to be just as determined and independent as Bjartur, and uses her newfound freedom to defy expectations and challenge tradition.
The narrative shifts from the events of Bjartur’s early life to his later ones. He again faces many challenges and difficulties but eventually manages to build a successful farm, achieve self-sufficiency, and gain respect from the community. His stubbornness fades and he learns to accept changes in his life and the people around him. The novel ends with Bjartur and Asta reconciling, and finally understanding the true meaning of independence.
To this day, 'Independent People' by Halldór Laxness has become an important piece of literature, well-known and widely cherished by generations of readers. Its themes of resilience and rebellion, as well as its depiction of the hard life in rural Iceland, have resonated since its initial publication in the early 20th century. Laxness’ novel is still widely discussed and appreciated, standing up as a powerful reminder of the complexity of human freedom and independence.
