To the List . . .

Just finished reading Halldor Laxness' book "Paradise Reclaimed" and thoroughly enjoyed it. (checked out of the Orem Public Library)

I recommend it to list members for several reasons:

1 -- Its plain, good writing. Laxness is very subtle -- so subtle that you often don't know if he's just argued for or against something. I would normally call this wishy-washy, but it doesn't read that way. He received the Pulitzer Prize in 1955 which may say something about his abilities.

2 -- While it is a fascinating peek at Icelandic culture, which soon blends into a fascinating look at late 19th century Mormonism, it is a character story. The characters are all well drawn, including unforgettables like Bishop Didrik whose clothes are well-worn, but carries his hat in greased waterproof paper -- stashing it in a bush before he preaches so it will be unharmed by the obligatory beating he receives from Icelanders the moment he begins preaching.

Unlike many "gentiles" who incorporate Mormonism, Mormons, Brigham Young/Salt Lake into their writing, Laxness seems to actually grasp something of the core feeling and beliefs which did and do attract converts among reasonable people. His tale of Steinar Steinasson from Steinahlidar and his unexpected detour from Iceland to Spanish Fork, Utah, is the outsiders' portrait that is more clearly drawn from its slight distance than one attempted by someone inside the frame themselves.

3 -- While it is a smallish book -- I read it in two evenings after the kids were down (at least down for the first time) -- it has a feeling of expansiveness and scope and larger meaning which I find in common with the few books I read and reread. Laxness takes one insignificant man and his family and paints an almost epic picture without ever taking the focus off the personal and specific. Yes, it has Mormonism as a back drop and a vehicle, but it is about people, period.

This is not a book everyone will enjoy. There are threads left unknotted and there is no "The moral of this story is . . . " chapter. But the feelings it evokes are both sweeping and tender and you may be left with a slight smile and a slight ache at the same time when you finally close the cover.

If you read this book, please let me know. I would love to ask your opinion about parts of it, certain characters and the overall meaning, but can't do so now without revealing twists and surprises which are more fun to come upon unaware.

FWIW,

Steve
____________________________________
Steven Kapp Perry
skperry@itsnet.com