I have a deep and ongoing love of Iceland, particular the landscape, and when writing 'Burial Rites,' I was constantly trying to see whether I could distill its extraordinary and ineffable qualities into a kind of poetry. Hannah Kent burialconstantlydeep share on social
Most writers are drawn to what is unknown, rather than what is clear in any tale. Hannah Kent cleardrawtale Change image and share on social
The mystery at the center of 'Burial Rites' is not who killed whom on the night of March 13, 1828. It is the mystery each of us encounters: Can we every truly know another? Can we ever truly know ourselves? Hannah Kent burialcenterencounter share on social
People speak of the fear of the blank canvas as though it is a temporary hesitation, a trembling moment of self-doubt. For me it was more like being abducted from my bed by a clown, thrust into a circus arena with a wicker chair, and told to tame a pissed-off lion in front of an expectant crowd. Hannah Kent abductarenabed share on social
I used to have 20/20 vision, believe it or not; that's gone because of all the reading I did when I wasn't supposed to, reading in the back of a car, waiting for each street light to go past so I could grab another sentence. Hannah Kent backcargrab share on social
I don't like to pretend I was guided in any way by the supernatural world, but the more you talk about that, the easier it is to dismiss those notions. Hannah Kent dismisseasyguide Change image and share on social
There are secrets at the heart of every story; there is something that must be uncovered or discovered, both by the reader and by the characters. Hannah Kent characterdiscoverheart Change image and share on social
I really hate the term 'historical novel' - it reminds me of bodice-rippers. But I'm hooked on research, and I really, really enjoy it. Hannah Kent bodiceenjoyhate Change image and share on social
I was a very imaginative child, and my parents were very encouraging of that. My sister and I would put on plays; I would write my own stories. Hannah Kent childencourageimaginative Change image and share on social