Complex 20th Century spy thriller set in ICELAND

9th August 2024

Kalmann and the Sleeping Mountain by Joachim B. Schmidt, complex 20th Century spy thriller set in ICELAND (Raufarhöfn).

Kalmann and the Sleeping Mountain, by Joachim B. Schmidt, is an evocative story that seamlessly blends mystery, personal growth and the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes. This novel, a sequel to Schmidt’s Kalmann, continues the story of the central character, Kalmann Óðinnsson, an unconventional hero who is endearing to the reader because of his sometimes childish outlook on life.

Kalmann, the self-appointed sheriff of the remote Icelandic village of Raufarhöfn, finds himself at the heart of another mystery. The “sleeping mountain” refers to a dormant volcano near the village, whose sudden signs of activity mirror the unfolding human drama. Kalmann, with his unique blend of simplicity, innocence and surprising insight, becomes involved in a series of events that threaten the fragile equilibrium of his world. As the volcano stirs, so do long-buried family secrets, particularly relating to the emerging Nazi past of his beloved grandfather. The resulting narrative is rich with suspense and emotional depth.

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The novel explores themes of isolation, belonging and the relationship between human nature and the natural world. The setting of Iceland, with its stark, unforgiving beauty, becomes a character in itself, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters, particularly Kalmann as he battles his own psychological dramas.

The prose is poetic, making the book easy to read, with the balance of tension and introspection in perfect harmony. Descriptions of Icelandic culture and folklore add an extra layer to the story. Once you get used to the style of prose, this is a delightful read that will leave you with the feel-good factor.

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