Book Review – Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
In northern Iceland, 1829, Agnes Magnúsdóttir is condemned to death for her part in the brutal murder of two men. Agnes is sent to wait out the time leading to her execution on the farm of District Officer Jón Jónsson, his wife and their two daughters. Horrified to have a convicted murderess in their midst, the family avoids speaking with Agnes.
Only Tóti, the young assistant reverend appointed as Agnes’s spiritual guardian, is compelled to try to understand her, as he attempts to salvage her soul.
As the summer months fall away to winter and the hardships of rural life force the household to work side by side, Agnes’s ill-fated tale of longing and betrayal begins to emerge. And as the days to her execution draw closer, the question burns: did she or didn’t she?
Based on a true story, Burial Rites is a deeply moving novel about personal freedom: who we are seen to be versus who we believe ourselves to be, and the ways in which we will risk everything for love.
Wow!
I found the plot gripping even when knowing Agnes’ fate. I felt compelled to know and understand the details surrounding such a tragedy. I was also engrossed in learning about her incredibly deprived childhood and her early adult life.
I was blown away by the primitive nature of their dwellings, farming methods, daily household chores and transport modes. What workers!
There seemed to be little or no division of labour in this farming family – owners worked alongside their labourers, all seemed to sleep in the same room, all seemed to eat the same food? Women were certainly not the fairer or weaker sex!
The theme of the law enforcers or politicians have the priority of “being in control” and “making an example” of the criminals being brought to justice.
The criminals being fairly tried or not – may also be a current theme in some cultures/countries today.
The simple writing style within the narrative which seemed to be one character telling her ‘story’ to other characters, was so easy to read, repetitive in form but never boring.
I simply loved how Margrit, seemingly harsh, warmed to Agnes. I cried with Margrit’s profound act of sincerity.
Finally, the explanations and imagery developed around the geography, as well as the descriptive passages related to the seasons, I thought were crafted expertly.
I could feel the icy wind and freezing snow beneath my feet, I could touch the coarse fabrics and softness of lamb’s wool. I could smell the slaughter of animals as well as the aroma of the herbal mixtures.
Hannah Kent – what a skilled expert writer.
Therese Young
