Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

35 reviews

hannahrose_99's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Wow, what a book. First off, the writing here was so stunning. So many different lines took my breath away, especially the ones from Agnes's point of view. Such a bleak book, filled with so much pain and sorrow. This girl really can't catch a break! The story of the family and the ways they change towards her was so beautiful, really such a stunning study of character, too. The Icelandic setting feels like a central character here too, which is one of my favorite elements of novels. I will be thinking about this one for a while! Crazy this was a debut! 

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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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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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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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pich's review against another edition

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

4.75

i definitely agree with a previous review that this book is heavy with exposition, though that is my only complaint. the atmosphere is hauntingly entrancing, and as a whole well written. 

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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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amyteurhour's review against another edition

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3.75

Content warning: murder, execution/capital punishment, animal death, violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment, death of parent, depression, suicidal thoughts, toxic relationship, assault, rape, child sexual abuse, panic attack, chronic illness, pregnancy, miscarriage, infidelity, ableism, classism, gaslighting

Definitely make sure to look through the content warnings (I'm sure I've missed some). Kent's writing was very atmospheric and painted a bleak picture of Agnes's last days. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as Morven Christie gives an amazing performance to really bring Kent's words to life. If you usually speed up the audio, I wouldn't go any further than 1.5x; let yourself sink into the story. It's really slow, but just be patient with it
the catharsis at the end was such a relief. So sad but I felt much better after my sob fest

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venus_flytrap04's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5


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