36 pages 1 hour read

Hannah Kent

Burial Rites

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, based on the true story of the last woman publicly executed in Iceland, follows Agnes Magnusdottir, a servant sentenced to death for the murder of two men, including her lover and employer. As Agnes awaits execution at a government official’s house, she seeks spiritual counsel, revealing her past and raising questions of her guilt. The narrative shifts between characters' perspectives, including the family's evolving view of Agnes and the relentless District Commissioner's determination to carry out her sentence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent has garnered praise for its evocative prose and meticulous historical detail, immersing readers in 19th-century Iceland. Critics commend Kent's ability to elicit empathy for her characters, particularly Agnes Magnúsdóttir. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative bleak. Overall, it is lauded for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Burial Rites?

A reader captivated by the haunting beauty of historical fiction and the intimate exploration of complex characters would enjoy Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace or Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale will appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Topics

History: World