BORGARBÓKASAFNIÐ
Alexander Sigurðarson, a specialist at Reykjavík City Library's Grófin branch, avoids romance novels like the plague but is otherwise an omnivorous reader. This summer, he's planning to immerse himself in Zorba the Greek, the story of the larger-than-life Alexis Zorba, a character Alexander feels a certain kinship with thanks to his zest for life and adventurous spirit.
Zorba the Greek is one of the best-known novels of the 20th century. What drew you to it?
"The story itself. It's simply captivating," Alexander says. "I also discovered that Nikos Kazantzakis was heavily influenced by Nietzsche's philosophy when he wrote the novel. Since I've long been fascinated by Nietzsche's ideas, there was really no turning back."
Alexander clears his throat before admitting that he's actually got a bit of a head start on his summer reading.
Wait a minute, you've already started it? So, what do you think?
"It's fantastic," he says enthusiastically. "It's funny, adventurous, philosophical and bittersweet all at once. An absolute triumph."
He credits much of the novel's appeal to its remarkable characterisation. Alexis Zorba, he says, is a true embodiment of Nietzsche's Übermensch, someone who embraces life to the fullest and genuinely enjoys every moment, whatever challenges come his way.
"It also strikes me as the perfect summer read. There's something wonderfully summery about Zorba's joy for life, if that makes sense. And, of course, the setting, Crete, is a dream summer destination in itself."
Would you say you're adventurous yourself?
"I'm probably no Zorba," Alexander laughs, "but I'd definitely say I'm quite adventurous. I'm always open to trying new things and pushing myself into unfamiliar territory, whether that's through travel, work, hobbies or something completely different."
Asked whether he's read any of Kazantzakis's other books, Alexander shakes his head. "To be honest, that's a bit ridiculous considering how much I'm enjoying Zorba the Greek."
What kinds of books do you usually gravitate towards?
"I like giving all sorts of books a chance," he says. "I often go through phases where I become completely absorbed in a particular genre until I've had my fill. Right now I'm reading a lot of philosophical novels and stories that explore life's bigger questions, much like Zorba the Greek."
After a moment's thought, he says he probably reads classic literature more than anything else.
"Although I'm making a conscious effort to read more contemporary fiction," he quickly adds. "Especially the books published during Iceland's Christmas Book Flood."He laughs as he recalls an embarrassing moment at the library. "Someone asked me to recommend a good book that had come out before Christmas, and I couldn't think of a single one. That was rather awkward."
Are there any genres you deliberately avoid?
"Not really," he says. "Well... apart from romance novels. I avoid those like the plague."
Has a book ever taken you completely by surprise?
Alexander pauses for a moment. "Being There by Jerzy Kosiński," he says. "It's a satirical novella, really fascinating and full of clever ideas and themes."
Finally, can you recommend a few more books?
"If you're looking for books in the same spirit as Zorba the Greek, I'd wholeheartedly recommend The Alchemist and Siddhartha," he says. "They don't quite share Zorba's infectious joie de vivre, but they explore similarly thought-provoking questions."
He also mentions another book that made a lasting impression.
"After all the discussion last year about Halldór Laxness and why his books are no longer widely taught in Icelandic secondary schools, I finally decided it was time to read one of his novels. I chose Independent People."
The verdict?
"It's magnificent," Alexander says. "I'd somehow convinced myself that Laxness's books would be heavy-going and rather dull, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Independent People is wonderfully entertaining and full of humour. Honestly, it's one of those books everyone should read. I can't recommend it highly enough."
Below is a list of Alexander's recommended books and albums, all available at Reykjavík City Library.
Find out more about the library's book collection here.
Now that many Reykjavík residents are heading off on their summer holidays, or at least starting to plan them, it's the perfect time to stop by Reykjavík City Library and stock up on books, music, board games, or anything else you might want to pack in your suitcase or simply enjoy at home during the summer. But with so many treasures on the library shelves, what should you take with you? In our Heading into the Holiday series, we ask members of our staff to share their favourite picks from the collection, perfect companions for the summer holidays.