Stubborn is hope, which survives a series of losses.

In Steinunn Sigurdardóttir's novel, a volcanic eruption triggers a flow of memories, revealing love, loss, and family secrets. The protagonist, Líneik, returns to her childhood home to confront her past before it is destroyed. Despite her numerous losses, the narrative emphasizes hope and the possibility of continuing life amidst grief. The Icelandic landscape plays a crucial role, symbolizing both beauty and danger, while the connections to people and places deepen the emotional impact. The story illustrates that acceptance of pain does not negate the potential for joy, suggesting that hope persists even in the face of sorrow.