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elizabeth_christina's review against another edition
dark
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
4.5
A well researched historical fiction based on true events in Iceland during the 1800s. The accuracy made me feel transported back in time. The characters experienced growth throughout the novel, but the conclusion came too abruptly.
I rated it highly because I listened on audiobook, but wonder if I would have struggled more with the Icelandic names and terms had I read a physical copy.
I rated it highly because I listened on audiobook, but wonder if I would have struggled more with the Icelandic names and terms had I read a physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child death
hannahrose_99'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? 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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse and Rape
sangsmiles's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
pgmoon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-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
4.0
Burial Rites is based on a true story about Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last person to be executed in Iceland, and it really dives into who she might’ve been beyond the accusations against her. Kent’s writing gives Agnes this layered, ambiguous quality that makes you question if we truly know who she was.
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, who is her main overseer before her execution whose relationship with Agnes slowly deepens and evolves over time.
Even though I had an idea of how things would end—kind of like the story in Hadestown, where you know it’s doomed from the start—I kept hoping for a different outcome. It’s tragic, but in a way that makes you hang on, page after page.
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, and Police brutality
midnightlibrarymouse's review against another edition
5.0
This one hits heavy. Read the content warnings.
Incredibly well written and poignant.
Incredibly well written and poignant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Blood, and Murder
jgkubik's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
shellmoffat89's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Rape, Blood, and Murder
atalea's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
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
confused_cat's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Blood, Excrement, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
sestep's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content