Picture an Australian storyteller who spun a haunting tale of Iceland’s last execution into a global bestseller—meet Hannah Kent! Born in 1985 in Adelaide, this historical fiction maestro crafts lyrical, research-rich novels that give voice to forgotten women. With a knack for turning dusty archives into gripping stories, Kent’s work, like her debut Burial Rites, has captivated readers worldwide.
Kent’s journey began with a spark of curiosity during a teenage exchange trip to Iceland, where she stumbled upon the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, a condemned servant. This encounter set the stage for a career that blends meticulous research with poetic prose, earning her a PhD in creative writing and a spot among Australia’s literary stars.
The Making of Hannah Kent
Raised in the Adelaide Hills, Hannah Kent grew up surrounded by South Australia’s rugged beauty. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by a passion for history and language. At 18, a Rotary exchange to Iceland introduced her to Agnes Magnúsdóttir’s tragic tale, planting the seed for her future debut. Back home, Kent co-founded the literary journal Kill Your Darlings in 2010, sharpening her editorial eye while pursuing a PhD at Flinders University. Her thesis became Burial Rites, a novel that launched her into the literary spotlight.
Hannah Kent’s Unforgettable Stories
Kent’s novels are masterclasses in historical fiction, blending stark landscapes with the inner lives of marginalized women. Burial Rites (2013) follows Agnes Magnúsdóttir, a servant awaiting execution in 1820s Iceland for a double murder. Kent’s vivid prose and ambiguous portrayal of Agnes earned the novel translations into over 30 languages and multiple awards, including the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year. A film adaptation by Sony TriStar is in the works.
Her second novel, The Good People (2016), dives into 1820s Ireland, exploring superstition through three women linked by a child’s mysterious illness. Shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize, it showcases Kent’s ability to weave folklore with human drama. Devotion (2021) shifts to 1830s Prussia and South Australia, tracing a queer love story amid Lutheran persecution. Praised for its lyrical intensity, it won Booktopia’s Favourite Australian Book Award. Kent also penned the screenplay for Run Rabbit Run, a 2023 Netflix horror film starring Sarah Snook.
Kent’s style is defined by “cut-glass prose” and deep empathy, often challenging historical narratives to reveal complex truths. Her research-heavy approach ensures authenticity, while her focus on women’s voices resonates with readers seeking stories of resilience and defiance.
Why Hannah Kent Matters
Hannah Kent’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history’s outcasts, from condemned servants to superstitious villagers. Her novels, translated into dozens of languages, have redefined historical fiction by blending literary depth with thriller-like tension. As co-founder of Kill Your Darlings, she’s nurtured Australia’s literary scene, mentoring emerging writers. Kent’s exploration of queer and female narratives, especially in Devotion, adds a vital layer to historical storytelling, inspiring readers to question who gets remembered.
- Born: 1985, Adelaide, Australia
- Key Works: Burial Rites (2013), The Good People (2016), Devotion (2021)
- Awards: ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year, Indie Awards Debut Fiction, Booktopia Favourite Australian Book
- Fun Fact: Kent learned Swedish to deepen her research for historical settings.
Snag Burial Rites and dive into Hannah Kent’s haunting world of historical fiction! Her stories will pull you into the past with a grip that lingers long after the last page.