I’ll just begin by saying I loved this book.
Australian author, Hannah Kent’s debut historical novel is based on a true story. The main character is farmhand Agnes Magnusdottir, who was the last woman executed in Iceland in 1830. Agnes was condemned for her role in the brutal murder of two men (one bring her master, a celebrity of the time) together with her co-convicted, Friorik Sigurosson, a farmer’s son. Both of their public deaths on the same day in 1830 saw the end to capital punishment in Iceland, which at the time was under the authority of the Danish Crown.
The story is deeply moving and made more so by the reciting of the actual government papers and letters dealing with Agnes’ trial, conviction and ultimately her death.
As Iceland did not have any prisons, Agnes is interned at the isolated farm of a government official and his family, in the year before her execution. The family is of course horrified to have the young murderess in their home, as is the local rural community. Whilst the family is being compensated for their trouble, Agnes lives with them almost as a family member or visitor, given the close living quarters of the small farmhouse.
During her time on the farm, Agnes comes under the care of a young assistant Reverend who is also said to be based on a real figure. The Reverend has been instructed to be Agnes’ spiritual guardian entrusted with salvaging her soul before she is put to death.
The story brilliantly explores the dynamics of the relationships which develop between the family, the Reverend and Agnes in the time leading up to her final day. The issues of personal freedom, female oppression and government power of the 1800’s are explored through Agnes’ narrative. Kent brilliantly draws you into the plight the characters face as they personally deal with their own beliefs in respect to the crime committed, the condemned woman they have come to know, and the ultimate price to be paid by Agnes.
As the story unfolds and Agnes’ journey to the end is recounted, you are left wondering whether she committed the crime for which she is to lose her life, or not.
When I was a third of the way through the book I thought it would make a wonderful movie. The remote, harsh and unforgiving landscape of Northern Iceland is depicted beautifully by Kent. I have since discovered that a movie will be produced, with Jennifer Lawrence to play the lead role. I give this novel 4 1/2 stars and now eagerly await the release of the film adaptation.
