Land of Love and Ruins
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
240
Novel • Fiction
Iceland • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
Land of Love and Ruins by Oddný Eir, translated by Philip Roughton, defies genre boundaries by combining diary entries, philosophical musings, and travelogue as an unnamed narrator journeys across Iceland and Europe grappling with the concept of "home." She investigates themes like love, ancestry, politics, and feminism while delving into her relationships and Iceland's post-2008 financial crisis landscape. Sensitive topics include the history of the incest taboo, nationalism, and patriarchy.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Inspirational
Nostalgic
409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Oddný Eir's Land of Love and Ruins is praised for its poetic prose and evocative exploration of nature and personal identity. Reviewers appreciate Eir's reflective and intimate narrative style, though some find the fragmented structure challenging. Overall, it stands out for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth, appealing to readers who favor contemplative literature.
Readers who enjoy Land of Love and Ruins by Oddný Eir are often drawn to introspective, autobiographical narratives that blend personal reflection with broader cultural and environmental observations. Fans of Karl Ove Knausgård’s My Struggle series or Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek may find this book captivating.
409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
Iceland • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!