 |
| ★★★★★ |
Synopsis: A brilliant literary debut, inspired by a true story: the final days of a young woman accused of murder in Iceland in 1829. Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution. Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tóti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.
***
Review: I became interested in reading Burial Rites after learning it is set in Iceland, a country in which I have had a passing, but constant, interest in for some years now (largely as a result of making friends with an Icelander.) All of my knowledge relates to the modern state of the country however; so it was immensely fascinating to read a novel set in historic Iceland. Based on the true story of the last execution to ever take place in the country, Kent does a superb job of eliciting a stunning, rugged land in its historical context and the harsh state of living for people in that demanding landscape. Although the flowery writing occasionally turns into a bit of an overgrown garden, I was happy to get swept up in the poetry of what is definitely an accomplished debut novel.
Featuring myriad documents surrounding the historical event of Agnes trial, wait, and execution, the author takes clearly defined liberties for the purpose of telling an enjoyable story, but not without regard for the known facts of the affair - imposing what she calls 'fictional liklihoods' in order to create a largely accurate but captivating tale.
Although I can't honestly say I found myself overly invested in any of the characters, I did like pretty much all of them for one reason or another (except, unsurprisingly, the villains of the piece, Natan and Fredrik). That said, they were largely credible characters, and sufficiently varying in their attitudes to create a complex set of perspectives and raise many questions - pertaining to housing a murderer, or that she might not be a murderer, or that she remains a human being in either context, a person who has nothing but time to contemplate her death, and the consequences for her soul.
A gently paced novel driven by contemplation of people and perspectives, and the result of a clear passion for the subject matter. Definitely recommended.
Rating: 5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment