Fuglamál

Ída is no ordinary child. She behaves strangely, speaks in tongues, and has an invisible friend, the bird Pótó. Brynja is convinced that her daughter is possessed, and as her fears deepen, supernatural events begin to disturb both their perception of reality.

While Hafliði is preparing an art exhibition with a group of refugees, Brynja searches desperately for answers to explain their daughter’s behaviour—and what it truly means to be a parent.

Fuglamál (The Language of Birds) is a contemporary novel with elements of horror, exploring love and activism, art and parenthood, but above all the unexpected and complex realities of motherhood.

Marta María Jónsdóttir is a visual artist and writer. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Iceland and a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, University of London. Marta has participated in numerous group exhibitions and held a solo exhibition at Sverrissalur in Hafnarborg. The Language of Birds is her first novel.

ISBN 9789935323439

Author Marta María Jónsdóttir

Publisher Benedikt, 2026

Format Paperback

Pages 199