Blog written by Meredith
The members were united in their praise and enjoyment of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites.
Amidst the harsh conditions of 1800 Iceland, Agnes’s story came to life, giving the reader an entirely plausible and fascinating account of the events leading up to the last execution in Iceland.
A brilliant first novel by this aspiring writer whose depth of research and subject matter marks this a most unusual and unique book. One reader felt Agnes had brought togetherness to the host family, as they listened in on her conversations with the priest. The priest was not a popular character, perhaps his youth and inexperience giving the impression of being weak. Another reader didn’t like the way Agnes kept returning to Natan. Was Agnes obsessed with him? Was Agnes guilty of murder? Perhaps she had a psychotic episode? Some readers felt that she could have had good reason to kill Natan. When is a murder justified? And is capital punishment justified?
Research shows that over 60 countries in today’s world still have capital punishment, China being the bigger offender, with public executions still happening in places like Saudi Arabia.
Overall, Burial Rites was found to be sad, haunting and grim yet, beautiful, fascinating and intriguing.
Recommended reading with an average rating of 8.
Our next book is Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
The meeting will be at Sharon's on Thursday March 13th, 2014.
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