Truflunin

Truflunin The Disturbance

The year is 2034. The world has split into two separate dimensions that overlap in central Reykjavík. A wall has been erected around the area, called the Disturbance, and only highly trained scientists and soldiers – so-called agents – may enter. One of the agents chosen is the psychologist Halla, a specialist in cults and alien abduction experiences. Having burned all bridges in her private life, Halla is ready to dive headfirst into her assignment: to find F, an agent from the first wave that was sent over. F has gone missing without a trace, but just before she disappeared, she left an eerie message to the outside world. It’s up to Halla to find out whether her warning stems from a mental breakdown, or something far larger and more sinister.

Lauded Icelandic author Steinar Bragi is back with The Disturbance, an unforgettably profound and unsettling deep-dive into a futuristic world where nothing is as it seems. Effortlessly confident and propelled by a powerful narrative, Bragi’s latest work is an unrivaled literary exploration of the human mind – a machine that ai can only strive to imitate. So far.

Awards

Shortlisted for the Nordic Council Literature Prize 2022
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Reviews

  • “The narrative is enveloped in sheer power, which propels it forward right from the start. The mystery only deepens as we progress, growing more nuanced. /…/ Thoughts on quantum computing, string-theory, the multiverse and questions faced when standing opposite a non-human consciousness, all of this is expressed confidently and without hitch. /…/ The setting is local but the point of view rises above and beyond Iceland, as does the subject matter. This is a big novel, and a magnificent one, I feel. An author completely in a class of his own has written his best book, and that’s saying something.”

    RÚV, Iceland

  • “A gripping thriller/puzzle. Incredibly well done. Blade Runner comes to mind. /…/ It’s profound and epic and I can’t see that any other Icelandic author would have gone down this road except Steinar Bragi. /…/ There are times when you just gasp […] incredibly talented.”

    Kiljan, Iceland

  • The Disturbance is a dark and suspenseful novel that takes the reader on a journey into a world that may have been taken over by technology or even supernatural beings. The novel is truly well-written and makes for an excellent addition to the flora of Icelandic literature.”

    ★★★★★

    Lestrarklefinn, Iceland

  • The Disturbance is a crazy book in every way and sense of the word. Even the reader will grow slightly mad while reading. Recommended for those brave enough.”

    ★★★★

    Morgunblaðið, Iceland

  • “A thrilling and densely told science fiction novel.”

    ★★★★

    Fréttablaðið, Iceland

  • “‘Masterpiece’ is a too-often used expression in book reviews, but I finally have to admit I was done in by a volume: The Disturbance by Steinar Bragi is a masterpiece.”

    Bókmenntavefurinn, Iceland

Author
Photo: Salomonsson Agency Steinar Bragi
Published
2020
Genre
  • Literary
Pages
301
Reading material

Icelandic edition

English translation

Rights sold

Albania, Shkupi

Denmark, Screaming Books

Hungary, Metropolis Media

Iceland, Forlagid

Film rights sold

US, Estuary / eOne

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