The Good People

Publisher's Summary

Short-listed for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction

From the author of Burial Rites, "a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller that takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy." (Paula Hawkins, best-selling author of The Girl on the Train)

Based on true events in 19th-century Ireland, Hannah Kent's startling new novel tells the story of three women drawn together to rescue child from a superstitious community.

Nóra, bereft after the death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her grandson, Micheál, who can neither speak nor walk. A handmaid, Mary, arrives to help Nóra just as rumours begin to spread that Micheál is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley. Determined to banish evil, Nóra and Mary enlist the help of Nance, an elderly wanderer who understands the magic of the old ways.

Set in a lost world bound by its own laws, The Good People is Hannah Kent's startling new novel about absolute belief and devoted love.

Terrifying, thrilling, and moving in equal measure, this follow-up to Burial Rites shows an author at the height of her powers.

©2017 Hannah Kent (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"The novel is thrillingly alive to the dynamic of poor, close-knit communities, where fear of the outsider trumps reason and compassion." ( Metro)

"Faith, folk-knowledge, and fear coalesce in remote 19th-century Ireland in this second novel from Kent.... Though rife with description, backstory, and a surfeit of gossip, the book's pervasive sense of foreboding and clear narrative arcs keep the tale immersive. Kent leads the listener on a rocky, disquieting journey to the misty crossroads of Irish folk beliefs past and future." ( Publishers Weekly)

"An imaginative tour-de-force that recreates a way of perceiving the world with extraordinary vividness...With its exquisite prose, this harrowing, haunting narrative of love and suffering is sure to be a prize-winner." ( Daily Mail)

Overboard????

This book is a little out of my reading comfort zone but I chose it for just that reason. It is well written and and narration is spot on. Why did I rate the story with a mediocre 3 stars you ask?
The story line is interesting and the characters are well developed. However, about midway through, the author took a turn and added so much folklore and superstitions from the time period that it became hard to follow and the characters got a little lost.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Historical fiction at it's best.

I absolutely love this author. The narrator does an excellent job. The story is compelling.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Poetry in Fiction

Wonderful book. The visual images alone are worth the time and effort. Add a well-crafted story, characters with depth, historical fidelity and elegant prose, this book had it all.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Poignantly beautiful.

Even better on the second read / listen. Can't wait for more from Hannah Kent.

Wonderous....compelling

I fell totally into the atmosphere and the people of this book.
It was shocking to actually hear spoken the sentiment of that time, from the contemporaries of the judge, when describing the thinking and actions of the defendants “It is genetic.”
I also loved “Burial Rites” by this fine author. Look forward to her next book.

brilliant

brilliant fiction. the women are real, subtle and humble but so artfully voiced that their stories come through dramatically. it is so rare to find an author that can give a story powerful momentum without resorting to simplification. the detailed portrayal of this 19th century community, the physical and social landscape, and how those circumstances imposed tragic limitations and burdens on individuals was enlightening.

Another great book from Hannah Kent!

What did you love best about The Good People?

Hannah Kent is great at making characters come to life. Caroline Lennon added to that with her wonderful narration. Definitely recommending this book to others!

Dark, Humane, Moving

This is my second Hannah Kent novel. Such powerful imagery from nature, from cultural practice and context. Characters believable and but honorable and pitiful. Landscape and weather combine to form a chapter together. Amazing, dar, energetic prose. 5stars

not as brilliant as Burial Rites

the book was a good study of women on educated disempowered believing in Superstition of the era no different than believing in the superstitions of Christianity of that same era. I loved Hannah Kent's previous book burial rites it is truly my number one top favorite book. this book didn't quite have the depth of character creation or story.