Author(s): Tarjei Vesaas

Novel | Translated fiction | Norway

In rural Norway, one evening after school, 11-year-old Siss and Unn strike up a deep and unusual bond. When the next day Unn sets off into the wintry woods in search of a mysterious frozen waterfall, known locally as the "ice palace," and does not return, a devastated Siss takes it upon herself to find her missing friend. The Ice Palace is one of the most memorable achievements in modern literature thanks in large part to Vesaas's unique command of a sparse, figurative, and fragmentary style. As part of the new and improved Peter Owen Cased Classics series, this edition features a false die cutting in the shape of an ice shard on the dust jacket, while printed on the cover board is the work of acclaimed contemporary artist Kaye Donachie.

'How simple this novel is. How subtle. How strong. How unlike any other. It is unique. It is unforgettable. It is extraordinary.' - Doris Lessing

'If I had to choose a book I'm surprised isn't the most famous book in the world it might be The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas.' - Max Porter

Review: 'If I had to choose a book I'm surprised isn't the most famous book in the world it might be The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas.' - Max Porter; 'The narrative is urgent, the descriptions relentlessly beautiful, the meaning as powerful as the ice piling up on the lake.' - The Times; 'Austere poetical clarity, stoical wisdom and a vivid response to nature.' - Times Literary Supplement; 'How simple this novel is. How subtle. How strong. How unlike any other. It is unique. It is unforgettable. It is extraordinary.' - Doris Lessing

Author Biography: TARJEI VESAAS was born in 1897 in the remote rural Telemark district of Norway, where he grew up and spent most of his life. His first book appeared in 1923, and he subsequently published several novels, volumes of poetry and short stories, many of which appeared in English translation and published by Peter Owen. His novel The Ice Palace was awarded the Nordic Council Literature Prize, the most important Scandinavian literary award. He was three times a Nobel Prize candidate. His work has been published in many countries. He died in 1970.