Guðjón Friðriksson Wins Icelandic Literary Prize for “Children in Reykjavík”
Renowned Icelandic author and historian Guðjón Friðriksson has been honored with the Icelandic Literary Prize for his book “Börn í Reykjavík” (Children in Reykjavík). This book, which falls under the category of non-fiction and general literature, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the children’s charity Sumargjöf. It meticulously documents the history of children in Reykjavík from the late 19th century to the present day, featuring nearly 600 photographs to complement its narrative.
A Storied Career in Writing
In an interview with Egill Helgason on RÚV’s Kiljan, Guðjón Friðriksson discussed his literary career, which spans a vast array of topics related to Icelandic history. This marks the fourth time Guðjón has received the Icelandic Literary Prize. His previous wins include awards in 1991 for “Bærinn vaknar 1870-1940”, in 1997 for the first volume of Einar Benediktsson’s biography, and in 2003 for the second volume of Jón Sigurðsson’s biography. Additionally, he has been nominated three more times.
“It’s been over 20 years since I last received the award, until now,” Guðjón remarked, reflecting on this latest accolade.
An Unexpected Journey into Authorship
Guðjón candidly shared that writing books was never his initial career plan. With a background in history and Icelandic studies, he initially pursued teaching at various educational institutions in Reykjavík and Ísafjörður before turning to journalism. His ten-year stint in journalism at Þjóðviljinn helped him hone his skills in writing swiftly and efficiently.
His foray into book writing began almost by accident at the age of 35 with the publication of “Forsetakjör 1980,” a book about the presidential elections that saw Vigdís Finnbogadóttir emerge victorious. The book, co-authored with photographer Gunnar Elíasson, was released in both Icelandic and English, marking the beginning of Guðjón’s prolific writing career.
The Rigors and Rewards of Historical Writing
Guðjón attributes his success to his disciplined work ethic. He describes himself as a diligent worker who maintains a regular work schedule. Over the years, he has dedicated countless hours to research, often visiting archives both in Iceland and abroad. His biography of Jón Sigurðsson involved extensive research in Copenhagen, while his work on Einar Benediktsson led him to uncover unexpected treasures in London’s archives.
Beyond archival research, Guðjón has a knack for connecting with descendants of historical figures, gaining unique insights and access to private collections.
Capturing the Essence of Childhood in Reykjavík
“Children in Reykjavík” is a comprehensive account of the lives of children in the Icelandic capital. Commissioned by the children’s charity Sumargjöf, the book is not a history of the organization but a broader exploration of childhood in the city. It examines various aspects like education, play, and social activities, alongside developments in child welfare, upbringing, and education policies.
Upon receiving the award at Bessastaðir in January, Guðjón highlighted the diverse circumstances portrayed in the book, some of which were quite challenging. “Children are as varied as adults, each with their own personality and story. One thing is certain: all children share a common desire to elevate themselves, regardless of success,” he said in his acceptance speech.
A Broader Reflection on Child Rights
Guðjón’s book sheds light on the historical lack of legal rights for children in Iceland and the progress made in recent decades to enhance their rights. He also draws a poignant parallel to children worldwide who suffer from hunger or violence, urging that “we must not turn a blind eye. The world is one, and hearts are similar in Sudan and Grímsnes.”
An Advocate for Public History
Guðjón’s commitment to making history accessible to the public is evident throughout his work. He aims to write for general readers rather than other historians, sometimes employing dramatization to enhance storytelling. This approach aims to engage readers and bring Icelandic history to a broader audience.
In his words, “I find it very important to convey history to the public. That has been my motto.” As he continues to work on self-selected projects, Guðjón remains dedicated to his mission of popularizing Icelandic history.
Conclusion
Guðjón Friðriksson’s impressive body of work stands as a testament to his passion for history and storytelling. His ability to weave engaging narratives from historical facts has not only earned him numerous accolades but has also enriched the cultural landscape of Iceland. As he continues to explore new projects, Guðjón’s contributions to Icelandic literature and history remain invaluable.