Reviews tagging 'Death'

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

41 reviews

marlyngitomer's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


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abi_sarah's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

A story of a woman, Agnes, on death row in Iceland for the supposed murder of her partner. She is assigned a priest, whilst she waits out her final weeks, who is asked to support her. Their conversations of faith and humanity are fascinating to read as the priest dives deeper into the alleged criminal events which unfolded. 

The relationship which Agnes and Reverend Toti form over the course of the story has a profound effect on the tale as a whole and reminds the reader that the convicted are human too. A search for justice lies at the heart of this Icelandic tale with a complex pathway to find it. 

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midnightlibrarymouse's review against another edition

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5.0

This one hits heavy. Read the content warnings. 

Incredibly well written and poignant. 

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booksbri's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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shellmoffat89's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I couldn’t put this book down and couldn’t wait to read it again. Very sorrowful yet beautiful at the same time. 


This book was highly recommended so I gave it a try. I’m glad it read it but after this I need a happy book to take me out of the depressive state I’m in after reading it. 

You have to have a strong stomach for this book. It’s extremely graphic. I had to skim over a few parts because it was difficult to read. The story was captivating and horrifying at the same time. I really enjoyed the first and the third person perspective and that it jumps back and forth. Margret was by far the best character because I loved her development throughout the novel. 

This book is extremely well written and impressive for a debut novel. It was definitely interesting to read a book set in 1800s Iceland.

Round up to 4 stars because of the writing, the setting, character development & research effort to make the book successful.

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viaanne's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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atalea's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-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

I didn't know it was based on real events until I finished the book and read the author's note. The amount of research that went into this book elevated my enjoyment of the book even more. It was a beautiful interpretation of the story backed by a lot of historical sources.

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confused_cat's review against another edition

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reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The writing in this book is nothing less than phenomenal. I'd like to watch the movie version of this, but I'm afraid it will never be as good.

It felt like I was there in person. In the gritty, cold, hard Iceland in 19th century. I thought I could smell the icy wind, the dried fish, the pungent, smelly and hot suffocating air of a closed room. 

 It really makes me appreciate my rather easy life, warm house and all its modern comfort. 

This book also made me think of life, death, and what is just. Fate has been cruel and unfair to Agnes since the beginning. Yet, Agnes strived to live.. till the end.



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mackli's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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veliana's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

4.0


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