Reviews with content warning for Animal death - Burial Rites

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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bek_p87's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective 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

5.0

Haunting, bleak, and yet somehow hopeful. Lyrical prose and a compelling story.

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stavroula_c's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-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

3.5

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madlyreading's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
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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professoremdash's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Rather bleak but well written story. There were some overly descriptive scenes that I could have done without, but overall an engaging read.

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fbarros's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

I have to give a lot of credit to the author on this one. This book, centered on the characters and their personal journeys, had me absolutely captivated.

I was genuinely anxious while reading it even though the plot is already fixed. It made me reflect on what it means to come to terms with death, injustice, and honestly, I couldn't put it down.

The only minor quibble I have is that I wished for more exploration of those breathtaking Icelandic landscapes. Nevertheless, the desolation of certain places is definitely conveyed, which significantly influenced the overall atmosphere of the book.

After another emotionally charged read, I think it's time for a break from sad books

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