“They said I must die. They said that I stole the breath from men, and now they must steal mine.”
First time author Hannah Kent presents a finely crafted novel about a true historical event – the Icelandic double murders of Natan Ketilsson and Petur Jonsson in 1828. There were three charged for the homicides – Agnes Magnusdottir, Fridrik Sigurdsson, and Sigridur Gumundsdottir. Agnes and Fridrik are beheaded for their crimes, Sigrid is sent to prison on appeal.
This novel was so impressive – Kent’s haunting language sets a stark, barren tone in perfect sync with the subject matter. Rich in metaphor and symbolism, the story is gripping without becoming depressing. Kent was masterful and slowly unraveling the tale through letters, court documents and narrative. We learn official accounts and Agnes’ internal and verbal account (via Kent’s literary imagination), until finally our own curiosities are sated at the very end. Bravo! I look forward to reading more by this Australian born author. Many thanks to Hatchette Book Group, for sending me a review copy of this excellent novel.
4 1/2 stars (out of 5)Published in 2013
322 pages
Cold Read 