Unexpected Fictions: New Icelandic Canadian Writing

by Kristjana Gunnars (Editor)

These nine short stories are written by well-known authors such as W.D. Valgardson, Martha Brooks, David Arnason, Kristjana Gunnars and Betty Jane Wylie. The collection showcases the work of the prairie Icelandic community and is wide-ranging, contemporary, and highly entertaining. The fictions are sometimes comic and sometimes melancholy, in the best tradition of a "round of storytelling." Gunnars' introduction raises questions about the function of fiction and the issues of ethnic writing.

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 1989

Reviews

[Joan Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some better than others. Hub enjoyed it more than I did.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of short stories from largely Canadian/Manitoban authors of Icelandic ancestry, which includes an interesting introduction, by Kristjana Gunnars, about ethnic writing. All the stories offer insights into the personal and cultural experiences of North American Icelanders, and though conventionally structured, they cover a wide range of genres and are exciting to read.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of short stories is interesting and quirky at times, with some unexpected turns. It highlights writings of immigrants to New Iceland (communities in Manitoba and Minnesota). These range from funny to sad, and are definitely unique.