36 pages • 1 hour read
Hannah KentBurial Rites
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, based on the true story of the last woman publicly executed in Iceland, follows Agnes Magnusdottir, a servant sentenced to death for the murder of two men, including her lover and employer. As Agnes awaits execution at a government official’s house, she seeks spiritual counsel, revealing her past and raising questions of her guilt. The narrative shifts between characters' perspectives, including the family's evolving view of Agnes and the relentless District Commissioner's determination to carry out her sentence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent has garnered praise for its evocative prose and meticulous historical detail, immersing readers in 19th-century Iceland. Critics commend Kent's ability to elicit empathy for her characters, particularly Agnes Magnúsdóttir. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative bleak. Overall, it is lauded for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.
Who Should Read Burial Rites?
A reader captivated by the haunting beauty of historical fiction and the intimate exploration of complex characters would enjoy Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace or Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale will appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.