Burial Rites - Book Review

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Hannah Kent's debut novel Burial Rites takes place in Iceland in 1829. Agnes Magnusdottir, along with two others, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to die. While awaiting her execution date, she is sent to live with a family on their farm. The family, comprised of a husband, wife, and two daughters, is fearful of having a murderess under their roof. But this has been asked of them by the District Commissoner and they must obey orders. 

While Agnes is staying at the farm, a young reverend visits her to pray with her and help her return to God when she dies. But he learns that the best way to help Agnes is to listen to her stories - about her past and about what happened the night of the murder. The reverend and the family soon learn that there is another side to the story - Agnes' side.

What makes this book even more interesting is that it's based on a true story! The author researched the original Agnes Magnusdottir and the murder of which she was convicted, and then used facts about Agnes' life and her own interpretation of the events to create this work of fiction.

Burial Rites is published by Little, Brown and Company and is available to purchase now. I received a free advance review copy at Book Expo America with no obligation to review the book.