This is utterly wonderful!

Arnason is an amazing writer. I have loved her work for years, and when I saw she had a new book out, I ordered it immediately. And I am so glad!

It's an anthology of 5 stories based on Icelandic myth, legends, and folklore, ranging from the Viking age to now. All of the stories are brilliant, though I must admit I bonded with Signy in "My Husband Stein", as well as his wife; I loved the way this story brought the lore into the present.

Now- if I'd seen this book in a bookstore, and was not familiar with Arnason's writing, I'd pass it by. The dustcover design is terse past the point of self-effacing, though I really like the HB cover once the dustcover is removed, and the whole book design- except the dustcover- is very elegant and befits her elegant prose.

If you like Peter Beagle and/or Le Guin, I think you will love this.

VERY highly recommended! ( )