Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

from goodreads

4 stars

Well, March Break is winding down. Even though we had a staycation, I think we had fun. We did more winter activities in this week than we did all winter. Mostly, because the weather is finally warm enough that you don't mind being outside. This has meant that my reading has slowed down. Although, I think I would rather live life than read about others living it.

Synopsis

Agnes Magnusdottir is charged with murder and is sentenced to be executed. She is sent to live at the farm of Kornas with Jon Jonsson and his family in northern Iceland. This book shows the family's struggle having a murderess in their home. It also shows Agnes struggling with a dual life, feeling normal and part of a household on the one side but knowing she is doomed to die on the other. This book is based on real events using primary source documents as well as local stories about this event.

My Thoughts

I found this to be a really interesting read. I do not know much about Iceland and I didn't realize how subsistent their living was in the early 19th century. When I think of the 19th century I think of the settings of Jane Austen. Nice houses, actual glass windows and normal type of roofing. In Iceland it was much more harsh where those types of housing materials were luxuries. It was interesting to see how the Icelanders used every part of the animal for things. Ex. stretched fish skin for windows.

I found that Kent was really good making you feel like this was a bleak and dreary landscape, without having to come right out and say it. I felt gray and cold the whole time I was reading it.

I really felt for Agnes. What a hard life. It is hard to read about people who, no matter what they do, can't seem to catch a break and move upwards in life. They never see their dreams get realized, and they do have dreams. Society just seems to be set up against them if they don't fit the perfect mould of what it thinks is proper. Though our society still has its problems it is a bit easier to make what you want of your life. To change your trajectory.

I loved the reverend who was put in charge of Agnes' salvation. His approach was that of befriending instead of preaching fire and brimstone. No one likes to be preached at, they just want to be heard, and he was able to give that the Agnes which was awesome.

I think one of the great things about this novel is that it shows that every culture at every time seems to have the same type of personalities as you find in our current one. You have those who are in power and want to lord it over others. You have others who are humble to a fault almost and are so kind. And you have others who are proud and want to keep others down. And then you have progressive types who ruffle a few feathers. When you read about a certain characters, especially Blondal, you know exactly what type of person they are. I don't know if knowing that all people have been the same over time is comforting or not, but it is interesting none the less.

This was a great read, not thoroughly entertaining, but it makes you ponder, what is the value of a life. And, it helps you realized that things are not black and white. There is always a gray area.