Burial Rites is the kind of vividly atmospheric historical novel that makes you grateful for winter. Set in Iceland in 1829, the story centers around Agnes, a housemaid who has been charged with murder and condemned to die. She’s sent to live on a farm until her execution day, with a family who is terrified of her, and slowly, painstakingly, the real story comes out. I predict that book groups won’t be able to stop talking about Burial Rites, so prepare yourself for a long night. Gripping ‘til the last page and based on a true story (but don’t look it up! You’ll spoil the ending!).
Reviewed by: Kat & S.M.C.