Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Current reading: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent


Prologue
They said I must die. They said that I stole the breath from men, and now they must steal mine. I imagine, then, that we are all candle flames, greasy-bright, fluttering in the darkness and the howl of the wind, and in the stillness of the room I hear footsteps, awful coming footsteps, coming to blow me out and send my life away from me in a gray wreath of smoke. I will vanish into the air and the night. They will blow us all out, one by one, until it is only their own light by which they see themselves. Where will I be then?
Burial Rites 
by Hannah Kent

This novel was very popular in the book blogging community a few years ago, but as often happens, I never got around to reading it. Thanks to a kindle daily deal last year and a recent audible daily deal, I am now midway through a read/listen combination. Despite the disconnect of listening to a novel set in 19th century Iceland as I walk along the beach, it's shaping up to be an excellent read!

Here is a portion of the goodreads summary:
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. 
What do you think? Are you tempted to continue?



First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intro is hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach.



21 comments:

  1. I had this one on my shelves unread for quite a few years and finally donated it. Now, of course, it sounds intriguing LOL enjoy

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  2. I love this book! Well, except for all the bodily fluids. I didn’t love those. I need to pick up the author’s other book.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. Aj - Haha! This is really a great book. I'll probably end up adding her latest to my wish list.

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  3. This book has been on my list and on my shelf for way too long. Looks like you've found the winning combination--a read/listen bargain. Enjoy!

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    1. Catherine - The audio adds to the atmosphere. Read/listen combination for the win, lol!

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  4. I've heard good things about this one, and I remember when it first came out...I kept meaning to read it. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - This was on my radar when it first came out, so I couldn't pass up the kindle daily deal. Then it seemed to get lost in all the ebooks, but the audio deal brought it to the top of the list again.

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  5. I read this last year and I really liked it.

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    1. Aileen - It's even better than I expected so far!

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  6. JoAnn,
    I simply LOVE the fact that this one is set in Iceland. That puts it on my radar. I'll take note.

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    1. Judith - This novel has been a surprise for me...enjoying more than expected. I'm on my way out for a walk to listen to more right now! :)

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  7. It sounds interesting but something holds me back...too many other books to read? I am happy that you are enjoying it.

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    1. Patty - That's the never ending problem, isn't it?? So many books, so little time. ;-)

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  8. I am almost positive I read this one but it wasn't reviewed on my blog, which makes me think it was a do not finish for me. I hope not though since you are about to read it.

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    1. Ti - I finished last night... lots of bodily fluids, but I liked it!

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  9. I've been meaning to read this too! I know I still have a copy around here somewhere. Yes, I'd keep reading.

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    1. Beth F - I finished last night... interesting to note that it's based on a true story.

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  10. Vicki - I finished it last night!

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  11. I don't remember seeing this one before. I hope you continued to enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by Girl Who Reads.

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    1. Girl Who Reads - I finished last night... a 4-star read!

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