The first author in the run-up to Christmas is Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir with the book Valskan, which is the first novel by Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir, who has previously written numerous books on cookery and food history. She bases the narrative on the life of her great-great-grandmother, Valgerður Skaftadóttir, who was born in 1762. Fact and fiction are interwoven to create a gripping story of a hard struggle for survival, but also of unexpected solutions, perseverance and love.

The book tells the story of the vicar's daughter, Valka, who has various dreams. Most of all, she longs to sail to Copenhagen in search of adventure, to stroll through cobbled streets, see palaces and golden towers, and to see noblemen in wigs driving about in splendid carriages. Alternatively, she wants to become a wealthy housewife on a manor farm and have many maids. But nature takes a harsh grip, both that which shows its power through storms, volcanoes and famine, and that which resides within Valka, igniting passion and lust and sometimes taking the form of a cunning creature: the völva. Some of Völka's dreams are destined to come true, others will come to nothing, but when all is said and done, perhaps fortune lies where she least suspected.

The build-up – A Christmas book programme by the Hafnarfjörður Library:

7 November – Nanna Rognvaldardóttir: The Welshwoman

14 November – Eiríkur Örn Norðdahl: The Laws of Nature

21 November – Poetry Evening: Anton Helgi Jónsson, Draumey Aradóttir and Eyrún Ósk Jónsdóttir

28 November – Ingi Markússon: Deceptive Appearance

All the Crafts: 2nd December

Ragnheiður Gestsdóttir – The Stone
Vilborg Davíðsdóttir – Land of the Night
Tómas R. Einarsson – Walking Bass
Vigdís Grímsdóttir