Burial Rights is a novel to immerse yourself in.

Burial Rights is a novel to immerse yourself in.


The writing is lyrical ‘Autumn arrives like a gasp’. The descriptions so clever they capture the claustrophobia and atmosphere of the place and people from another time.

I found myself at the hearth, sipping hot milk, with the peat on the fire, in a very harsh winter.

The scene is set in the world of northern Iceland in 1830.

If you had told me I would find this a fascinating place to visit before this I would have been very surprised. The story centres on Agnes, a 34 year old servant, who seems to have floated through households without ever finding a place to call home. There is a sense of abandonment from her biological parents and brother and later her choice of partner. This follows on to her fate at the hands of the district commissioner who seals the order of execution. When I have told people this is a story about capital punishment they take a step back.

But it is more about isolation, in place and spirit.

The location appears godforsaken, even in the Icelandic community.

The main character is isolated from family, friends and faith.

There is no easy tie up, but no further details, read it for yourself.