Book Reviews

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent is a remarkable novel set in Northern Iceland in the early 19th Century. It sat on my book shelf for quite a while before I read it. When I heard that it was primarily about the life of a condemned woman awaiting execution, I was a little reluctant to start reading it.

When I finally did begin, though, I was mesmerized by the story. The brutality of the winter season. The abject poverty accepted by the simple people. The heartfelt narrative of unrealized longing between Toti, a naive, young reverend sent to offer final religious instruction, and Agnes Magnusdottir, the condemned woman. Rather than instructing her, Toti becomes Agnes’ confessor, as the story of her miserable and meager life is revealed.

All of the characters whose lives have been touched by Agnes are shown for their courage, ignorance, base prejudice, and most remarkably for their redemption. They are changed by deep, personal realisations as they watch her stoic heroism in the face of impending death.

This book is startling; most especially because author, Hannah Kent, is only thirty two years old. The maturity, wisdom, and insight shown by the sensitivity of this author are rare.

This 338 page book is highly recommended for those readers who are willing to engage with inspiring thoughtful material.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent in the library catalogue.

 

Sunny Seagull
Member of the SMSA Mystery& Crime Reading Group

 

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Membership

When you join SMSA as member, you get a wide range of benefits.

Access to the SMSA Library

We are home to a unique collection of books, a highlight being our Mystery and Crime section.

Able to borrow from the Tom Keneally Centre

We are honoured to be the home of Tom Keneally’s personal collection of books, many of which have been used as research for his own works.

Access to member only events

Join a members group, share your passions, learn new skills, make new friends and get involved.

Access to member only activities such as members groups

We provide a variety of member only events, these are relaxed social occasions to have fun and make new friends.

Join as a Member

Subscribe to stay up-to-date