“Important Trash” by Halldór Armand: A Review
“Icelandic author Halldór Armand Ásgeirsson returns with his fifth novel, “Mikilvægt rusl” (Important Trash), following a series of critically acclaimed works including “Vince Vaughn in the Clouds” (2013) and “Bróðir” (Brother) (2022). Known for his incisive essays that dissect contemporary issues with philosophical and historical insights, Halldór’s latest fiction embarks on a fast-paced narrative that contrasts with his usual reflective style.
The Storyline Unveiled
“Important Trash” is set against the backdrop of the financial collapse that shook Iceland in 2008. The novel opens on October 6 of that year, the day when then-Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde addressed the nation. Readers are introduced to Gómur Barðdal, a garbage collector who stumbles upon a human nose in a trash can outside a prestigious home in Þingholt. Amidst the chaos of the financial crisis, Gómur’s discovery sets him on a path to the police station, altering the course of events.
Simultaneously, we meet Gómur’s cousin, Geir Norðann, a poet returning from Denmark after a breakup and financial difficulties. Geir finds himself teaching poetry to a young man residing in the very house where Gómur made his grim discovery. This connection propels the cousins into a whirlwind of unexpected developments.
Literary Context and Comparisons
“Important Trash” is part of the holiday book flood in Iceland, joining other works reflecting on the financial crisis and its aftermath. Booksellers might find it fitting to display Halldór’s novel alongside “The Nation and the Power” by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson or the biography of Geir H. Haarde. With its vivid scatological humor, the novel could also sit next to Sævar Helgi Bragason and Elías Rúnar’s “Poop, Pee, and Fart.”
Halldór’s narrative style in “Important Trash” is reminiscent of a “The Simpsons” episode, characterized by its colorful characters, chaotic plot, and frequent jests about both bodily functions and politics. The narrative voice intricately weaves through the characters’ consciousness, providing commentary on societal issues during turbulent times.
Character Dynamics and Development
The novel features a cast of vibrant characters, with Geir Norðann depicted as a sensitive yet erratic poet, and Gómur Barðdal as a humble, wise-cracking garbage collector. Despite the novel’s intention to avoid psychological realism, Gómur’s character remains somewhat two-dimensional, impacting the story’s momentum. However, the supporting characters, like Gómur’s girlfriend Zipo and the banker’s son Kjartan Týr, bring delightful complexity and steal the spotlight.
Zipo, who juggles a job at a fast-food joint with more lucrative ventures, proves to be resourceful and resilient. Meanwhile, Kjartan Týr, influenced by Geir’s mentorship, emerges as a fresh voice in Reykjavik’s poetry scene with his incel-themed verses.
Reflective Themes and Critique
The strength of “Important Trash” lies in its sharp character portrayals and Halldór’s commitment to the novel’s playful antics. The setting of Reykjavik is depicted with a blend of whimsy and critique, reminiscent of Hollywood action films complete with ambushes, villain monologues, and secret hideouts. However, despite these exciting elements, the narrative sometimes lacks the drive to captivate readers fully to its conclusion.
Noteworthy moments include a historian’s discussion on fat-shaming in the Bible and the giraffes Ingvar E. and Hilmir Snær. Yet, the novel’s wit and edge occasionally get lost in a text that could benefit from tighter editing or even more absurdity.
Final Thoughts on “Important Trash”
The cover of “Important Trash” features a black-and-white photo of Garðar Steingrímsson, a real-life garbage truck driver in Reykjavik, exuding a playful challenge to the reader. This image encapsulates the novel’s essence—provoking readers to question societal values and redefine what constitutes “important” versus “trash.”
Halldór Armand’s latest novel invites readers to explore the concept of value as a function of time and cultural context. Between its pages lie thought-provoking questions about what we cherish and discard, urging readers to dig deeper for meaning.
Sölvi Halldórsson, a literature critic for Víðsjá on Rás 1, offers this review of “Important Trash” by Halldór Armand Ásgeirsson. Known for his poetic and linguistic expertise, Sölvi provides a critical lens through which to view this engaging new work.