Michelle M. (jade19721) reviewed on 9/30/2013 + 115 more book reviews

finished this several days ago and I am still at a lost for words. I give it 5 stars because of the remarkable writing and Hannah Kent ability to bring Agnes to life and to give this woman a voice when no one else would. This book is not for the faint hearted, nor is it for those that are seeking a happy go lucky ending. This is the story of a woman who didn't have a chance at having a good life from the moment she was born. Although life was hard for those in Northern Iceland in the early 1800's but if you were born into the world where your mother was a servant and the identity of your real father was hidden you didn't have a chance in hell of making it. Agnes suffered one hardship after another until she was taken in as a housekeeper for a man who was considered a bit mad in the community. Eventually this relationship went sour due to his madness and any chance Agnes might have had ended in one brutal night. By the weeks end she would be arrested for murder along with 2 others and she would eventually be executed by beheading.

Agnes is sent to live with a farming family to await her execution and while there we are able to finally learn of her hardships as she tells the tale to the priest who is there to help save her soul and the family she is staying with.

Don't look for a happy ending. This story is based on a true story. Agnes was the last person to have been executed in Iceland. This is a remarkable story about a piece of history that not many know about. I highly recommend.

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