This novel is unlike any other. It is a futuristic novel, a fantasy, a mystery, but above all: a poetic and mournful love story full of beauty and originality.

The buzzing sounded like someone playing a saw with the violin bow of the woman who broke his heart; quietly enough to not wake those who slept, loudly enough to bring those who were awake to tears …

More and more often, there’s a peculiar sound on a pedestrian bridge in downtown Reykjavik. Is it a design flaw? Or is it the murmur of the ages? Then mysterious phenomena emerge that don’t conform in any way to the laws of physics. Scientists are stumped. The stock market takes a dive. Poetry collections take over the best seller lists. Cats disappear. Lights flame up the sky. And love blossoms between a young couple in Reykjavik. When physics and poetry meet, Lightning appears.

Light Crawlers is the third novel by Dagur Hjartarson, who has received various recognitions for his work and praise from readers and critics for his personal and brilliant style. The novel was shortlisted for the Icelandic Literary Awards.

“The author manages in a unique way to create a work that combines the qualities of a poem and a novel. In Reykjavík the laws of physics and love intertwine in an unusual way and the reader meets unlikely heroes and villains. The tension rises rhythmically as the story progresses, keeping the reader engrossed and full of anticipation. The story is original, exciting and like all good poetry, it leaves room for reflection.”
From the jury of the Icelandic Literature Prize

“Light Crawlers is both a strange and beautiful novel, well written, humorous and clever.”
Snædís Björnsdóttir / Morgunblaðið ★★★★

“An interesting story that surprises the reader and turns out to be carefully plotted. The author mixes romance and science fiction in a fun way and opens the window of the novel to let poetry in.”
Kristján Jóhann Jónsson / Fréttablaðið