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kimmerbellum's review against another edition
5.0
An engrossing story that is many things - tragic, heartwarming, gruesome, and with the harsh weather one of the strongest characters.
gillibluejay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
kimbofo's review against another edition
3.0
I may possibly be the last person in the world to read Hannah Kent's extraordinary debut novel, Burial Rites, which has been lauded far and wide and nominated for almost every prize going since publication last year.
It is one of those rare Australian novels that has achieved international acclaim — and with good reason. This is a universal tale of what it is like to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no recourse to proper justice, and it tells the story in such a frank and interesting way that it is difficult to put down. I read it in a matter of days.
Set in Iceland in 1829, the book is based on a true story, as the author explains in her note at the end: "Agnes Magnúsdóttir was the last person to be executed in Iceland, convicted for her role in the murders of Natan Ketilsson and Pétur Jónsson on the night between the 13th and 14th of March 1828, at Illugastadir, on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, North Iceland." Interspersed with real letters and court documents, the narrative fictionalises the events leading up to the murders and beyond.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
It is one of those rare Australian novels that has achieved international acclaim — and with good reason. This is a universal tale of what it is like to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no recourse to proper justice, and it tells the story in such a frank and interesting way that it is difficult to put down. I read it in a matter of days.
Set in Iceland in 1829, the book is based on a true story, as the author explains in her note at the end: "Agnes Magnúsdóttir was the last person to be executed in Iceland, convicted for her role in the murders of Natan Ketilsson and Pétur Jónsson on the night between the 13th and 14th of March 1828, at Illugastadir, on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, North Iceland." Interspersed with real letters and court documents, the narrative fictionalises the events leading up to the murders and beyond.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
jacquierogers1's review against another edition
5.0
Is story haunts me months later. An exceptionally atmospheric tragedy.
kathrynwardle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lemonflanplanman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sofasalazar8's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75