Burial Rites
A Novel
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4.1 • 241 Ratings
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes—charged with the brutal murder of her former master and sent to await execution on an isolated farm.
Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution.
Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tv=ti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.
Riveting and rich with lyricism, Burial Rites evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?
Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution.
Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tv=ti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.
Riveting and rich with lyricism, Burial Rites evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This stunning debut from Australia-born novelist Hannah Kent fictionalizes the real-life story of the last person executed in Iceland. Its prose transports you to the stark, brutal life of the island nation’s rural communities in 1829—a place where human existence itself can be tenuous and fraught emotions underlie the relationships of the seemingly phlegmatic Icelanders. We highly recommend this unforgettable novel.
Customer Reviews
Hardship beyond understanding
The fact that this was a true story based on true history and a person who did live and die during those times is I believe beyond imagination of today’s culture. The cruelty and hardship were overwhelming. Love was sparse, but there were some who held onto one another. Worth the read.
Well worth the read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It will stay with me. I enjoyed how the author wrote what felt in real time. All the way to the end. Excellent
Exhale
I look and look, read summaries and descriptions of novels, hoping to find a book like this one. This one will stay with me for a very long time. Absolutely amazing!