Nominations for the May star, the poetry book award of the National Library of Iceland – University Library and the Writers’ Union of Iceland, were announced in Gunnarshús a while ago, but the award will be presented at a ceremony in the Þjóðarbókhlaðunn for the 10th time on Wednesday, May 20.
The nominated books are (in alphabetical order of authors): For science by Anna Rós Árnadóttir published by Benedikt; Five poems by Eirík Örn Norðdahl published by Mál og menning; The heaviest element by Jón Kalman Stefánsson published by Benedikt; Mara comes to visit by Natösha S. published by Benedikt; Porcelain by Sunna Dís Másdóttir published by Mál og menning and Member country by Väla Hauks published by Mál og menning.
Sunna Dís Másdóttir, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Anna Rós Árnadóttir, Vala Hauks together with the representatives Natösha S. and Eirík Arnar Norðdahl who were not able to go home.
mbl.is/Karítas
According to information from those responsible for the award, all published Icelandic poetry books of the year 2025, a total of 70, which were returned to the National Library of Iceland – University Library, were eligible for the award and were considered by the jury. The jury consists of Áslaug Jónsdóttir on behalf of the Writers’ Association, Tómas Ævar Ólafsson on behalf of the National Library and Sveinn Yngvi Egilsson on behalf of the University of Iceland.
“The Maístjarnan is the only award in Iceland that is awarded exclusively for a published Icelandic book of poetry. The award is intended to draw special attention to the thriving publishing of poetry books in Iceland,” says a statement from the award’s relatives. It should be noted that the nominated books are all on display in the lobby of the Þjóðarbókhladinn.
The jury’s comments are as follows:
- For science by Anna Rós Árnadóttir. “An original work that concerns the human being’s lack of connection with his own feelings. A poet like a scientist in his own life. Strong and subtle descriptions of the human’s spiritual flaws and the impossibility of capturing them in the language of science. The author creates an organic and dynamic reading experience.”
- Five poems by Eirík Örn Norðdahl. “A multi-layered and multi-voiced collection of poems that are direct and mysterious at the same time. High and low meet in refined and chiseled language; the shop and TV shows, the mountains and the clouds. The author shows new sides and reveals a voice halfway between sincerity and irony.”
- The heaviest element by Jón Kalman Stefánsson. “A direct and multi-layered work about grief and longing. The poems are dense narratives and enjoy their rhythm in the cliches that highlight human life, feelings, the world, God and everything in between. The author is looking for love and empathy in the times of danger that are now looming over the world.”
- Mara comes to visit by Natösha S. “A strong and coherent book, passionate and honest, personal and political. An amazing description of anxiety, helplessness and vulnerability. The poet learns to live with Mara, to face his fears in a world that is turned upside down. A haunting work and timely.”
- Porcelain by Sunna Dís Másdóttir. “A low-key poem about the threat and beauty of nature. Personal and subtle poetic pictures of inner life and memories are set against overwhelming mountains and winter. A complete book by an author who has a good grasp of poetic language and emotional expression.”
- Member country by Väla Hauks. “A fun and social work; a sensitive description of Iceland with an interplay of text and images, at the same time sweet and ironic, funky and funny. Diverse perspectives, national moods and complex emotions expressed in a poetic way.”
