Bjartni Gistlason, caretaker of the community and owner of one of the best Icelandic farms, for a long time kept a letter from his beloved Helga, with whom he was bound by a forbidden and passionate love. He did not answer her call and was unable to follow her to the city and a new life, and years later he finally decides to explain why and writes a response to Helga’s letter. Bjarthni's confession is full of love for his native land, the animals on the farm, Helge full of life and blossom, as well as longing for her physical presence and the possible life that he was forced to give up. Closely connected with the historical legends and heroic tales of Iceland, the novel by Bergsvein Birgisson glorifies traditions, love for the land, ancestors and women.