👶👶👶👶 Burial Rites, by Hannah Kent

One would assume that a historically based fictional novel about the execution of Agnes Magnúsdóttir (the last person to be executed in Iceland in the early 1800s), would be completely grim and foreboding. However, the author has such a way with words, that I found myself entranced by her descriptions of a rather somber scenario. Kent’s research on this event was equally as impressive, using actual historical documents from her trial. Yet, she used her poetic license very respectfully and impressively, weaving in very raw emotion to the events that led up to her execution. The other fascinating part of this novel was the superstition that encompassed all of Iceland at the time. Ms. Kent really illuminated the irrational beliefs that guided many of the inhabitants of this land. It was certainly an unexpected journey into an intriguing historical event.

Read 9/21/17