I’ve had Burial Rites by Hannah Kent on my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ list for ages, and I’d actually seen it at my local library a few times before I decided to actually read it. Why? I don’t know. Everytime I picked it up it just didn’t seem to fit with what I felt like at the time. Eventually, as we were about to enter lockdown, I checked out a huge pile and decided to include it. Here’s my review of this interesting book.
The Premise:
Burial Rites is based on the true story of Agnes Magnusdotter, the last woman executed in Iceland in the early 1800s. The book is part murder mystery, as you try to figure out exactly what happened, and part dramatic novel, exploring Agnes’ life and her relationships with people she has encountered throughout her life, and in particular with the family that she is placed with in the weeks building up to her planned execution.
My thoughts:
I found this book pretty gripping from the beginning. The author really managed to capture the hard life of a farmer in the harsh landscape and climate of northern Iceland. The story and particularly the characters were compelling and I definitely felt empathy for Agnes. I always feel like any story (be it a book, movie, or series) that can make you root for the ‘bad guy‘ is well written, and that’s definitely the case here. The book is not light, but it’s still easy to read and I flew through it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes history fiction or true-crime stories.
If you liked it, try:
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue. This book has a similar feel, and also sheds light on a different way of living, particularly in the context of poverty in the 1800s, although this one is set in Ireland instead of Iceland. (Get it here on Kindle, Audible, or buy a physical copy)
Get Burial Rites by Hannah Kent:
Audible Audiobook (Read by Morven Christie, who read one of my favourite audiobooks of all time, Code Name Verity, and has an absolutely gorgeous voice)
Have you read Burial Rites? Let me know what you thought of it!
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