REYKJAVÍK INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL 2023

The Reykjavík International Literary Festival (RILF) takes place on April 19-23 at various venues throughout Reykjavík. Founded in 1985, this will be the 16th time RILF takes place, but it‘s the second to be held after a pause caused by the pandemic. The festival is more than just a series of readings. It is a gathering of people from all over the world who share a passion for books and storytelling. Admission is free, and the festival include Q&A sessions, book signings, workshops, and more!

The Or St R Award

The Orðstír award for the best translation of Icelandic literature into foreign languages will be handed out for the third time. Two foreign language translators will receive this award, which was first handed out in 2015.

The Authors

RILF is bringing together acclaimed authors from around the globe to partake in panels, readings, and workshops. Lauded as one of Northern Europe’s biggest literary events, RILF has hosted over 300 international authors, such as Margaret Atwood,

Mariana Enriques

Mariana Enriquez is a spell-binding novelist from Argentina. Her novels include Bajar Es Lo Peor and Comó desaparecer completamente She was shortlisted for the 2021 International Booker Prize and finalist of the Kirkus Prize.

Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad. His writing explores themes of race, history, and the human condition, making him a powerful voice in contemporary literature.

Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan is a bestselling author and a champion of women’s fiction. Her novels are a celebration of life, love, and the joy of the everyday. Her novels include Meet Me at the Cupcake Café and Little Beach Street Bakery

Herta Müller, Haruki Murakami, Günter Grass, and Kurt Vonnegut.

This year, a number of great authors, both Icelandic and international, will be participating.

Aasne Seierstad

Aasne Seierstad is a Norwegian journalist and acclaimed non-fiction author, whose work is a testament to the power of storytelling to shed light on some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Benný Sif Ísleifsdóttir

Benný Sif Ísleifsdóttir is an Icelandic author known for her feminist approach that highlights the power and struggles of Icelandic women. Her novels Gríma, Hansdætur, and Djúpið have all been well received by Icelandic readers.

Other authors include Lea Ypi, Dina Nayeri, Alexander McCall, Hildur Knútsdóttir, Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, Pedro Gunnlaugur Garcia, and many more. For