DEAD
MEN DANCING by Jógvan Isaksen translated from the Faroese by Marita Thomsen and
published by Norvik Press.
Jógvan Isaksen will receive a trophy, and both the author and translator will receive a cash prize.
The judges’ statement on DEAD MEN
DANCING:
Similar to the story of the ancient god Prometheus, a man has been shackled to rocks on the Faroe Islands, and left to drown on the beach. The discovery of his body throws the local community into an unsettling chaos, and as the journalist Hannis Martinsson investigates, he comes across evidence of similar deaths. He realises they are linked to the events in Klaksvík in the 1950s, and a local revolt which tore the community apart. As Martinsson digs into the troubled past, he learns about his country’s history, and also gives the reader a chance to discover what makes the Faroes intriguing and spellbinding. Being a largely unknown territory to most, Dead Men Dancing includes a useful introduction to the modern reality of these islands by the CEO of the Faroese Broadcasting Corporation, mirrored by the social commentary that lies at the heart of the book itself, and the portrayal of the relationship with Denmark throughout the years.
This is only Isaksen’s second novel to be translated into English following Walpurgis Tide. This contemporary Faroese crime fiction writer places his characters in the wild, beautiful, and unforgiving environment and allows them to search for truth. The judges found the location to be absolutely integral to the unfolding of the plot, and how the raw natural beauty of the Faroes served as a reflection of the thoughts and actions of the characters.
Dogged and uncompromising, Martinsson is a superb creation, similar in his ‘detective’ thinking and approach to Gunnar Staalesen's lonely wolf PI Varg Veum, which the judging panel found very appealing. Martinsson's gloomy demeanour and natural cynicism was beautifully balanced throughout with the more empathetic side of his nature, and in the age-old tradition of crime fiction his personal and professional relationships are fraught with tension.
The translation by Marita Thomsen
is both accomplished and a little unusual, drawing as she does on the
vernacular and intonation of the Scottish dialect. Again, the judges found this
to be refreshingly different, and enjoyed the unique cadence and rhythm this
gave to the book overall, an essential quality of any book in
translation.
The judges agreed that in Dead
Men Dancing the balance between location, plot and characterisation worked
well, incorporating some of the familiar tropes of crime fiction, but also
providing a refreshingly different reading experience. This was achieved by the
depiction of the Faroes themselves and their history, working in symmetry with
the narrative, and also by the characterisation of Martinsson, reminiscent of
the traditional spare style in Nordic crime fiction. The assured and
distinctive translation was also a significant factor in the judges' overall
decision.
Statements from the winning
author, translator and publisher:
I feel it is a great honour to
win this award, especially when I see that the competition includes several of
my favourite Scandinavian authors. I am also proud to represent my country, the
Faroe Islands, a self-governing part of the Danish Kingdom with its own
language and traditions. Furthermore there are special bonds between the UK and
The Faroes since the friendly occupation during World War II. I personally
became a member of Collins Crime Club when I was only thirteen, and fought my
way through crime novels I could hardly read. But at last I got there and have
for many years been an admirer of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Eric Ambler,
Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin and many, many more.
Marita Thomsen
(translator):
It was thrilling to
translate the Faroese novel Dead Men Dancing and a great honour to
receive the Petrona Award. I am privileged to find myself in the company of the
master crafters of stories and languages shortlisted this
year, congratulations to all! My thanks first and foremost to Jógvan
Isaksen for keeping us in suspense, as he navigates the rugged outlines of the
psychology and wild shores of the Faroe Islands. This book offers a fascinating
window into regional tensions in the archipelago and historical tensions in the
Kingdom of Denmark. Thank you to the passionate Norvik team for expert guidance
and editorial advice. And to Richard and Jane for your patience and boundless
enthusiasm for everything, even the difference between rowing boats and oared
boats.
Janet Garton (Norvik
Press Commissioning Editor):
We are delighted
that Dead Men Dancing has won this year’s Petrona Award. Jógvan
Isaksen is a master of suspense, and his maverick amateur sleuth Hannis
Martinsson takes the reader on hair-raising trips by land and sea before – of
course – solving the mystery before the frustrated police. The Martinsson
series was the basis of the successful TV series TROM, and this is the second
of the series to be published by Norvik Press, after Walpurgis Tide in
2016. Hopefully there will be more to come!
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