February's Book - Burial Rites Hannah Kent

Burial Rites - Hannah Kent

Thanks to everyone who attended our first meeting back after our Christmas break.  It was even good to see Meg (Meg who?) after her lengthy absence, the big question is whether we will see her again next month and will she have read the next book!!
Most people enjoyed the book with the general consensus that the author skilfully portrayed the harshness of both the environment and the life of the people of Iceland in the 1820's.  We also felt that Agnes' fate was sealed when she met Natan who tricked her into working at his farm. Agnes' intelligence and independence,which attracted Natan, played against her in the end as these qualities were viewed as suspicious in a woman in the 1820's.  Comfort was given to Agnes before her execution with the family at Kornsa and also by Toti the minister who allowed her to tell her story rather than preach to her.  Overall a disturbing but enjoyable read.

Ratings

Tahnee 6    A bleak cold desperate evocation of existence

Debbie 7     Engaging read confusing title

Colleen 7    Dramatic story about scratching an existence out of life

Hannah 7    Interesting lesson into Icelandic life in the 1800's

Meg    7      Tragic and depressing view of Icelandic life

Anne Maree 8 Thought provoking and really enjoyed it

Irene 6        Icelands stark and unapologetic landscape similes all the trials and tribulations of the characters

Trilby 9    Tightly drawn intriguing characters wanted to know more about the family

Kaye  8     A disturbing but enjoyable read.

April's book at Hannah's   "The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion