Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
It took me a long while to want to read this
book. Initially, I did not think I would find reading about the stark landscape
of Iceland interesting. I didn’t think I’d find the life of a murderess
awaiting execution in 1829 interesting. Now I realize, I don’t know what I will
find or not find interesting. This book changed my perception.
This haunting debut novel by Hannah Kent is set
in a bleak location and has a bleak premise. Agnes Magnúsdóttir awaits
execution in the early 1800’s. She is accused of murdering her lover and
another man. We are taken back to the events that lead up to the murder, the
details of the murder and the anguish of the seemingly endless wait of her
death. We are also shown, through the eyes of others, how the reputation of
someone proceeds them and how minds can made to be changed and hearts made to
care.
Kent takes this
piece of Icelandic history and takes us on a fictionalized account of what
occurred during the months she waited to be executed. We are taken inside of
Agnes’ head and heart and learn about her memories and fears.
This story grips you
and keeps you on the edge with a heavy heart until the very last
page.
5 out of 5
stars.
Homer & Langley
by E.L. Doctorow
Homer & Langley
Collyer were brothers who were known as the Hermits of Harlem. Doctorow takes
this fascinating story and fictionalizes it.
The collier brothers
lived together in a mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Homer, who is
blind and eventually goes deaf, is cared for by his brother Langley. Langley
starts hoarding newspapers for ‘research’. Eventually the hoarding grows out of
control and their grand mansion becomes a huge museum of junk and eventually
their tomb.
In the factual
account, the Collyer brothers lived from the late 1800s until 1947; however, for
interest sake, Doctorow changes the time line. This brings them through World
War I, the Jazz/gangster era all the way up to the free loving days of the 1960s
and slightly beyond.
I think the change
in time gives this story much more interest and relatability. The fact that there is not
much information on these brothers because most of the stuff in their home was
destroyed during the purging didn’t stop Doctorow from creating a compelling
story of one possible reality.
4 out of 5
stars.
Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
by Jennifer Chiaverini
Kate Chase Sprague
is the daughter of Salmon Chase, an Ohio lawyer in the 1800s. She attempted to
establish her father as a future presidential candidate against
Lincoln.
The fact that she
was considered Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival was because of her beauty, intelligence and
political acumen, Mary Lincoln did not embrace her.
I really enjoyed
Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini; however, I did not embrace
this book. I thought it was slow and lacked any interest.
2 out of 5
stars.
The Waterworks by
E.L. Doctorow
Give me a book that
takes place in New York City in the 1800s and I will read it.
A freelance writer
notices a stagecoach with some elderly men. One of these men was reported dead
and buried by his family. This mystery unfolds amidst the dank reality of New
York City in the 1800s. We are shown the disparity between the rich and the
poor in this morality tale.
3 out of 5
stars.
