Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

In a nutshell

Tells the story of the final days of an Icelandic woman (Agnes) who has been accused of murder and sentenced to death by beheading.  The story opens when a local family is told that they are obligated to house the murderess until her execution.  From here, author Hannah Kent explores the relationship between Agnes and the family, along with a local priest (who is supposed to prepare her for death).  Through these interactions and conversations, we eventually learn how Agnes came to be charged with murder and her eventual fate.

Did I like it?

I really enjoyed reading this book (admittedly, I do have a bit of a thing for Icelandic literature these days).  Interestingly though, it was actually the relationships that Agnes forms with the family and the priest that engaged me the most.  Somehow, learning how Anges came to be accused of murder had become superfluous to me.  Instead, I was intrigued by how these local Icelanders came to grow and understand Agnes through their time with her.  Initially, they saw her only as a murderess, but as time progressed and they inevitably got to know her, these relationships became more nuanced.  For them, Agnes had things to offer that were distinct from her "role" as a killer.

Will you like it?

Readers who like historical fiction will enjoy this depiction of Iceland in the 1800's.  Additionally, there is a compelling psychological element.  It is interesting to watch how perceptions shift as the novel progresses.  Finally, it's a bit of a page-turner, so will also engage the reader who likes an element of suspense in their literature.

What else happened while I was reading this book?

Beach day!!  Had a picnic up on the Kapiti coast last weekend, courtesy of the Long Beach Cafe (pizza, pizza) and the Old Beach Bakery (mmm...scones and donuts).  Lots going on at work and thrilled that weekend #2 has arrived.