On July 13, join us for a virtual book talk with Icelandic author Thóra Hjörleifsdóttir and translator Meg Matich on the release of the new novel Magma.

In this slim and haunting debut, 20-year-old Lilja is quickly smitten with an intelligent, beautiful young man from university who quotes Derrida, reads Latin and cooks balanced vegetarian meals. Before long, she’s moved in with him and begins living in his cramped apartment. As the newfound intimacy of sharing a shower and bed fuels her desire to please her partner, his quiet and pervasive manipulations start to unravel her, as acts of nearly imperceptible abuse continue to mount. Lilja wants to hold onto him, take care of him and be the perfect lover. But in order to do so, she gradually lets go of her boundaries and concurrently starts to lose her sense of self.

With astounding clarity and restraint, Magma sheds light on the commonplace undercurrents of violence that so often go undetected in romantic relationships.

With moderator Larissa Kyzer, the author and translator will discuss the novel, out beginning today from Black Cat. Click here to learn more and to order.

This event will take place as a Zoom webinar; please ask questions in the chat or send them in advance to  info@amscan.org. Registration is required; please sign up here.