(4 / 5)
I’m so glad I got this one in before the end of the year. It easily makes my top 10 books of 2016. The best way I can describe it is as hauntingly beautiful. I’ve never read a book about Iceland but after finishing this 300 page narrative I feel as though we are intimately acquainted. This book may be the most atmospheric book I’ve read all year, and I’m really into that sort of thing. Hannah Kent outdid herself with creating its sense of place. Perhaps it helps that I read it during the winter.
The older I get and the more I read, the more amazed I am at when an author can tell a complete story with character development, which moves its reader gently along so that one hardly notices. This book did that magnificently. The symbolism was subtle and appropriate, the subject was ordinary yet compelling, and the historical research was truly impressive.
I have read criticisms of this novel which say the feminist agenda was too strong, but I must disagree. Frankly I didn’t even notice if/that there was such a motive, and I usually pick up on such things. I thought Toti, Jon, and Daniel did their sex justice and Lauga and Rosalin did plenty to equal the playing field. I read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall this year which really upended my views on nineteenth century society, so I was not as unprepared for what this novel confirmed of a woman’s lot.
As a protagonist Agnes is not immediately likeable, but you do feel sympathy. As her story unfolds, she becomes more real and dear. The secondary characters are likewise well crafted. I wish we had heard more from Jon and Lauga.
Finally, I usually get frustrated when authors leave holes in the story, this book was brilliant because instead of spelling out each intended meaning, Kent walked you all the way to the edge of a meaning or intention and left the reader to take the final step on their own. I loved it, and it gave the book a real strength.
4 stars only because while it was incredibly well done, I don’t think I can say it was moving, or changed an essential part of myself. Still, well worth your time.
Violence: Medium/High Language: Medium Adult Content: Medium/High