Burial Rites

A Novel

By: Hannah Kent

Narrated by: Morven Christie

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Riveting and rich with lyricism, Burial Rites evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?

©2013 Hannah Kent (P)2013 Little, Brown and Company

Well, that was depressing

Good story and great research, but if you're already depressed then I would suggest picking another book.

Interesting book but would appeal more to women

What did you love best about Burial Rites?

Well, the narration was breath-taking for a moment I could imagine myself part of a movie. I myself could not have done better and I have done narration in the past. Next, there is a good storyline, at times, a bit predictable but that did not cause any of the chapters to lose their essence. You always have the desire to find out more about Agnes' story even though sometimes you could predict what has happened. I found it hard to identify with her, maybe because I am not a woman, therefore, my conclusion that this would find better sympathy with female readers. I tried as hard but I could not find a reason to identify, I felt sorry and pitied her more than anything else. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the book in its entirety but if it was not for the narrator Morven Christie, I would have probably not read it at all. I must say on that note, that audiobooks, helped me renew with a passion that was long gone. I had not picked up a book at a local library for years. I was disgusted by the lack of creativity out there and really a bit of the same thing constantly, pretty much like movies nowadays. I still find today's book do not engage readers sufficiently into critical thinking, oh well, it is an era of video games and TV.

What did you like best about this story?

Agnes strength, throughout the years was very much appreciated. Her loneliness and injustices done to her were not on the other hand. However, more could have been done to save her, but that's understandable in 18-19th century Europe. Many across the land had similar fate, some without even a trial. At least, she's got one.

Which character – as performed by Morven Christie – was your favorite?

I really liked Tóti but I found him to soft in dealing with Agnes...particularly not telling her about his feelings for her and how much he desired her but I would also guess that was a consequence of his status as priest or reverend.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes!

Heartbreaking and beautiful!

This was a tough read, the kind of novel you can't really say you enjoyed because it's so dark and sad that describing it as enjoyable is just not right. Burial Rites is, without a doubt, a powerful and very poetically written character study, based on a real case, and rooted in a lot of research. It's not an easy book to read—partly, because of the pacing, but mainly because of how gloomy and filled with death it is. Nevertheless, it's a remarkable work of fiction and one that I would recommend to anyone willing to take on the challenge.

Captivating

Fabulous. Couldn't stop listening. I also read the book. Cant wait for the movie. Really get a picture of life in Iceland during this time period.

Enthralling

I had not heard of Agnes Magnúsdóttir before listening to this, but I was immediately hooked.

I also very much enjoyed the performance of Morven Christie.

story telling at its best

Burial Rites written by Hannah Kent is based on true events. The audio version is a long slow story. Campfires recommended.

A true story relived

Fascinating novel based on a true story. Agnes made you love and sympathize her. Interesting to learn about a place seldom written about. Can’t wait for the movie to come out, Jennifer Lawrence is perfect to play Agnes.

Interesting

Interesting premise, beautifully written. The narration is a little too slow...I listened at 1.1x speed and it was perfect.

Wonderful and interesting from beginning to epilogue

If you love historical fiction, you will love this story. I did not want this book to end, and enjoyed the narrator’s voice so much, not only did I listen to the entire epilogue (do not skip this!), I intend to soon listen to more books written by the author, and others read by this narrator. If you have any travels to Iceland, I believe this will lend interesting insight. I can also recommend Sigrid Undset’s trilogy, “Kristin Lavransdatter”.
Thank you!

Breathless.

Few novels have left me speechless. This book did that x10! This is an extraordinary story. The author took great pains to delivery this tale, and you can “feel” the world the characters live in. Profound, and deeply poetic, this is one on this best works of literature I have ever read. Thank you Hannah Kent, you took my breath away.

Note: if you can listen to the audio, do it. You will not regret it. It’s a beautiful novel text or verbal, but the audio gives you the extra enjoyment by way of place, time and language.