One of the most interesting facts I learned about Iceland is that with a population of around 350,000, one in ten Icelanders will publish a book! That is an astounding figure and makes Iceland the country with the most writers per capita of any other country in the world!

Interestingly, Reykjavík was written as a collaboration between two of these very prolific Icelanders during the pandemic. Based on a true unsolved case, the novel recounts the initial investigation and then the numerous reinvestigations over the next thirty years. Along with the investigation we also see the change and development of Reykjavík as a city from 1956 until the celebration of its 200th anniversary in 1986 which provides a fascinating backdrop to the book.

At fourteen Lará wanted a bit of freedom during that summer in 1956, so when a friend recommended her for a job on Videy Island right off the coast of Reykjavík, Lará was thrilled. She would be be working for a lawyer and his wife who had a summer cottage on the island. She would be taking care of their kids while doing some housework. It seemed like a great opportunity and her friend assured her it was easy work. But in early August, her parents reported her missing. The couple she worked for on Videy Island said she had abruptly quit and had returned home, but she never showed up or contacted her parents. Lará had disappeared. The police investigated, but they were unable to find any trace of her even though they scoured the island looking for her.

Thirty years later, Valur Robertsson, a young journalist, begins a new investigation into the case. His editor would have liked him to focus on the preparations for Reykjavík’s 200th Anniversary Celebration, but Valur is intrigued by this missing persons case and begins to interview all the various people again. Luckily his initial articles create quite a stir in Reykjavík and soon Valur is under pressure to not only investigate but to solve the mystery of what happened to Lará. While Valur keeps digging, he becomes aware of that there are are forces who do not want this mystery solved and will do everything they can to stop Valur from finding out the truth.

This was a fascinating book on many different levels. First the mystery itself, which is based on a true incident, then the changes and progress that we see happening within Reykjavík itself as time goes on. I felt that I was able to understand Iceland and its culture, just bit more after reading this as well as having an interesting and complicated mystery to solve!

Brenda’s Rating: **** (4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this to Sharon, Marian, Lauren and Keith

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in ebook format.