The Good People

By Hannah Kent

Book Overview

From the author of Burial Rites, "a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller that takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy" (Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train and Into the Water).

Based on true events in nineteenth century Ireland, Hannah Kent's startling new novel tells the story of three women, drawn together to rescue a child from a superstitious community.

Nora, bereft after the death of her husband, finds herself alone and caring for her grandson Micheal, who can neither speak nor walk. A handmaid, Mary, arrives to help Nora just as rumors begin to spread that Micheal is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley. Determined to banish evil, Nora and Mary enlist the help of Nance, an elderly wanderer who understands the magic of the old ways.

Set in a lost world bound by its own laws, The Good People is Hannah Kent's startling new novel about absolute belief and devoted love. Terrifying, thrilling and moving in equal measure, this follow-up to Burial Rites shows an author at the height of her powers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316243957
• ISBN13: 9780316243957
• Release Date: July 2018
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful and tragic

Written with a lovely voice and an unadulterated observation of the hard life of the times. Marvelously illustrates the differences between those with more learning and opportunity and those who, simply by circumstance, are stuck in far, small, and more primitive ways. The struggle between hanging on to old beliefs and being able to learn is poignantly told. A little repetetive at times, but Kent tells a beautiful, sad story.