Fall has arrived early in Iceland and so has the fall edition of Iceland Review, IR 45.03, wrapped up in a cozy lopapeysa sweater. This volume, entitled “On the Cusp,” explores some of the more dynamic aspects of life on the island as the country surges into the future while looking over its shoulder to keep the past in view.
Jonas Moody travels to the far West Fjords to explore the fate of rapidly diminishing fishing villages through the eyes of one family. Eliza Reid reviews the growing competitive spirit between universities in the county. Sara Blask revels in Reykjavík’s graffiti and contributing writer Greg Bocquet gets to bottom of the cookie cutter neighborhoods springing up in the suburbs.
Photographer Páll Stefánsson meanders through the country’s moss, moss, and more moss, naturalist Daniel Bergmann makes a plea in pictures for Iceland’s gyrfalcon, and photo-eccentric Spessi offers a glimpse of his new book, Locations.
Contributing writer Anna Andersen takes you on a romp at a countryside ball while Alëx Elliott explores the musical tastes of retro rockers Motion Boys.
Editor Sveinn Gudmarsson sits down with Kristín Árnadóttir, who is campaigning for Iceland’s seat on the UN Security Council. Other interviews include contributing writer Amelia Saul’s peek into the life of German puppeteer Bernd Ogrodnik, who works from his studio in Skídadalur, and Jonas Moody’s tête-à-tête with British savant Daniel Tammet, who learned Icelandic in only one week.
Also in this issue: hipster fashion’s kowtow to Iceland’s old ways, the brigade of new methane vehicles begins, the country’s eclectic modes of transportation, a harrowing tale of icecave spelunking, the grumpy keeper of the nation’s collections, the day Peking Duck came to Reykjavík, and more.
Closing out this edition is a special supplement on the seven wonders of East Iceland, including the spectacular highlands, the seaside villages of the East Fjords, and the breathtaking sights under Vatnajökull glacier, the world’s largest glacier outside the polar icecaps.
