Few Icelandic writers have bridged as many worlds as Sigrún Davíðsdóttir. Born in 1955, Sigrún’s career has woven together journalism, fiction, research, and translation. Her work is especially recognised for rigorous coverage of Iceland’s emergence into the global financial spotlight after 2008, but her contributions to cultural and literary life are just as enduring.
Between books and broadcasting
After beginning her career in Iceland, Sigrún relocated to Denmark in 1988. There she developed historical research, including a study on the politically charged return of medieval manuscripts from Denmark to Iceland during the 1970s. By 2000, London became her base, working as the correspondent for RÚV, Iceland’s national broadcaster. From there, she followed developments both in the Icelandic diaspora and in international finance, earning a nomination as RÚV’s Reporter of the Year.
Sigrún’s reporting took on global significance after the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis. Through her analytic blog, Icelog, she investigated financial crime, tax avoidance, and corruption, shedding light on complex networks at a time of upheaval for many Icelanders and offering English-speakers a window into these stories.
From cookbooks to contemporary fiction
Sigrún’s literary breadth is striking. She has authored numerous cookbooks, starting with “Matreiðslubók handa ungu fólki á öllum aldri” in 1978, followed by titles such as “Matur: sumar, vetur, vor og haust” and “Brjóstagjöf og barnamatur.” “Pottarím,” published in 1987, rounded out her early focus on food and home life.
Her entry into fiction came with “Silfur Egils” in 1989, a novel that won the Reykjavík City Literary Award the following year. Later, she wrote “Feimnismál” in 2006, sometimes referred to in English as “Uchronia,” and “Samhengi hlutanna” in 2011, which has appeared under the suggested English title “Not a Single Word.”
Sigrún has also edited modern Icelandic literary anthologies and brought works to new readers through translation, including Beatrix Potter’s children’s books and various titles on food writing. Her editorial work for an anthology of modern Icelandic literature, created with Steingrímur Þórðarson, further highlights her support for literary exchange.
Balancing family life with her writing and reporting, Sigrún is the mother of three sons, Ingvar, Davíð, and Ari Helgason. Her professional journey is an example of how an Icelandic voice can influence both the country’s literary output and its portrayal on the international stage.
