Synopsis
Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
A BBC Between the Covers Book Club Pick
Based on actual events, Burial Rites by Hannah Kent is a haunting work of historical fiction, following the final days of a young woman accused of murder in 19th-century Iceland.
'Outstanding' – Madeline Miller, author of Circe
'Gripping, intriguing and unique' – Kate Mosse, author of The Burning Chambers
Northern Iceland, 1829.
A woman condemned to death for murdering her lover.
A family forced to take her in.
A priest tasked with absolving her.
But all is not as it seems, and time is running out: winter is coming, and with it the execution date.
Only she can know the truth. This is Agnes's story . . .
'One of the best Scandinavian crime novels I've read' – Independent
'Remarkable' – Sunday Times
'A must-read' – Grazia
Shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award
Shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards
Part of the Picador Collection, a series showcasing the best of modern literature.
** Read Hannah Kent's memoir about Iceland, Always Home, Always Homesick **
Details
Reviews
“One of the most gripping, intriguing and unique books I’ve read this year . . . A novel that bristles with beautiful description, that lays bare the harshness of women’s lives of the period and considers the nature of justice”Kate Mosse
“So gripping I wanted to rush through the pages, but so beautifully written I wanted to linger over every sentence. Outstanding.”Madeline Miller, Orange Prize-winning author of The Song of Achilles
“Hannah's rendering of Agnes Magnúsdóttir is as vivid and authentic as Mailer's Gary Gilmore . . . She has resurrected her heroine with grace and skill; her writing style is innately lyrical . . . An amazing book. I was completely engrossed all the way through, and heartbroken at its end.”Donal Ryan, Man Booker longlisted author of The Spinning Heart
“Gorgeous and haunting, Burial Rites will touch your heart.”Charlotte Rogan, author of The Lifeboat
