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sangsmiles's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Animal death, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
abi_sarah's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, and Violence
pgmoon's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
One of the best things about the writing is the style. The narration switches up—some parts are told in a straightforward way with other characters, but when we get into Agnes’ thoughts, it reads like poetry. Those parts are just stunning! Kent’s imagery and the way she captures Agnes’ emotions really pull you in. Also, the side characters are surprisingly interesting, especially Margret,
Even though I had an idea of how things would end
The book has a slower pace, which I liked, though I could see it being a bit too slow for some people. A few of the characters are definitely meant to be disliked, and while that could come off as a bit much, but I thought it worked to build tension.
There are some small detractors - Tóti, a character (who I really enjoy, especially his conversations with Agnes) who starts out as pretty important but then seems to vanish for a while, only to pop back in a bit abruptly. And things wrap up really fast once Agnes finally shares what happened the night of the murder—I felt like I’d hit a sudden finish line.
That said, I still thought this book was very good! I don’t know much about Icelandic culture, but from the notes, it’s clear Kent did a ton of research, and the setting felt super authentic. If you’re into historical fiction about complex women and their struggles, I’d totally recommend Burial Rites!
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, and Police brutality
yare2211's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty
jgkubik's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
viaanne's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement and Sexism
atalea's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
mackli's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
veliana's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child death, Death, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Abandonment
amyteurhour's review against another edition
3.75
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
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism