Burial Rites: The BBC Between the Covers Book Club Pick

This book is a tough read. Set in Iceland, it tells a tale of the last woman to be beheaded for murder in this remote, strange country. But did she do it and was her punishment deserved? At times I found this read difficult, but I was hooked and had to carry on. Well deserving of its literary fame.

The Blackheath library reading group met on Monday 12th May to discuss 'Burial rutes' . Everyone found the book an astonisting read. The general feeling was that the book captured the handship of living in the bleak, dark and unforgiving Icelandic climate perfectly. Most of us felt that the Icelandic location was almost like a major character in the novel - setting the tone , pace and feeling of the story. The description of everyday life was moving and very believable. The way the characters were developed are beautifully crafted - particularly how Agnes interacts with the family on the farm. There was a real sense of place and time conveyed. We were really able to feel for Agnes and the sense of doom hanging over her was almost difficult to read.
we all agreed that the novel deserved to be short listed for the Bailey's award and would be a worthy winner.

Burial Rites is a beautiful and atmospheric book. Set in the nineteenth century the novel is inspired by the true life story of the last woman to be executed in Iceland for her part in a murder. The writing is pure and dazzling like the snow. The author paints a poignant and human face to the doomed Agnes. All the characters tight emotions are explored in a realistic and skillful manner. Day to day mundane events are brought to life on the page. A truly remarkable novel that has the power to move and stay with the reader even after finishing-the book.