In Iceland, the path from politics to literature is rarely straightforward, but Bjarni Harðarson’s trajectory proves how a public exit can lead to unexpected creativity. Born in 1961 in Arnýjarhús, Hveragerði, Bjarni has combined careers as a bookseller, novelist, folklorist and publisher, while becoming a familiar figure in Icelandic cultural life.
A brief, eventful political chapter
Bjarni entered the Icelandic parliament (Alþingi) in 2007, representing the South Constituency as a member of the Progressive Party. His tenure, however, was cut short after a misstep in November 2008. In a notable political scandal, he accidentally sent a document to the national press. This leaked document contained sharp criticism of the party’s vice chairman, Valgerður Sverrisdóttir. Bjarni resigned from his post the following day, ending his time in parliament. In the next year’s election, he stood for the L-List of Sovereignty Supporters but did not regain a seat.
Championing Icelandic books and stories
Outside parliament, Bjarni and his wife, Elín Gunnlaugsdóttir, a composer and poet, have made a home for lovers of literature in Selfoss. Since 2006, their shop, Bókakaffið, has offered new and second-hand books in a unique local setting. They also run an outlet in Reykjavík. The shop’s publishing arm, known as Sæmundur (previously Sunnlenska bókaútgáfan), has published over 200 titles.
Bjarni is an active writer himself, comfortable working while travelling abroad. His novels include “Svo skal dansa” (2009), “Sigurðar saga fóts” (2010), “Mensalder” (2012), and “Mörður” (2014). He finished the drafts of these works in settings as far-flung as Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Senegal.
His publications extend beyond fiction into Icelandic folklore and traditions. “Landið, fólkið og þjóðtrúin” documents mapped places of magical significance in Árnesþing, regions connected to elves, ghosts, trolls, monsters, and outlaws. He has also published collections of essays and editorial writings, contributing to the preservation and sharing of Iceland’s narrative legacy.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
