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Always Home, Always Homesick
When she was seventeen years old, Hannah Kent travelled to Iceland from Australia. She’d never seen snow before, didn’t speak a word of Icelandic. All she knew was that she wanted to have an experience – to soak up something of the world.
Soon she found herself isolated in a remote part of Iceland in a dark winter. It was a gruelling experience, but she quickly fell in love with the country: with its brutally beautiful landscapes and with its people. On returning home, with images of Iceland's towering glaciers and windswept tundras in her dreams, Hannah began to
Soon she found herself isolated in a remote part of Iceland in a dark winter. It was a gruelling experience, but she quickly fell in love with the country: with its brutally beautiful landscapes and with its people. On returning home, with images of Iceland's towering glaciers and windswept tundras in her dreams, Hannah began to
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
About the author
Hannah Kent
17 books4,544 followersHannah Kent's first novel, the international bestseller, Burial Rites (2013), was translated into 30 languages and was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Guardian First Book Award. It won the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year, the Indie Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year and the Victorian Premier's People's Choice Award, and was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Hannah's second novel, The Good People was published in 2016 (ANZ) and 2017 (Feb, UK; Sept, North America). It was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, the Indie Book Award for Fiction and the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year. It has been translated into 10 languages.
Hannah’s original feature film, Run Rabbit Run, will be directed by Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale) and produced by Carver and XYZ Films. It was launched at the Cannes 2020 virtual market where STX Entertainment took world rights.
Hannah co-founded the Australian literary publication Kill Your Darlings, and is a Patron for World Vision Australia. She has written for The New York Times, The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, Meanjin, Qantas Magazine and LitHub.
Hannah lives and works on Peramangk country near Adelaide, Australia.
Hannah's second novel, The Good People was published in 2016 (ANZ) and 2017 (Feb, UK; Sept, North America). It was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, the Indie Book Award for Fiction and the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year. It has been translated into 10 languages.
Hannah’s original feature film, Run Rabbit Run, will be directed by Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale) and produced by Carver and XYZ Films. It was launched at the Cannes 2020 virtual market where STX Entertainment took world rights.
Hannah co-founded the Australian literary publication Kill Your Darlings, and is a Patron for World Vision Australia. She has written for The New York Times, The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, Meanjin, Qantas Magazine and LitHub.
Hannah lives and works on Peramangk country near Adelaide, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 594 reviews
July 9, 2025
I pat myself on the back for having the foresight to wait for a library copy of the audiobook to read in tandem with my hardcover copy. The audio is perfection for Kent's mellifluous speaking voice, accents and pronunciation, while the hardcover contains the photos, the spelling and has the beautiful dustjacket that can sit proudly on my bookshelf. I've read a handful of excellent memoirs in recent months, and this one is right up there at the top of the pile - I didn’t want it to end.
Covering her initial year in Iceland as a 17/18yo Rotary exchange student and her first exposure to the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, through several return visits and the writing of her phenomenally successful debut novel, Burial Rites, and ending with a visit in 2023 to appear as a guest at the Reykjavik International Literary Festival, Kent's love for her second home shines through on every page. It seems only fitting that a country with such a strong and important literary tradition was so instrumental in shaping the writer that she has become.
Highly recommended to readers who enjoy memoir, adventure and/or peeking behind the literary curtain.
Covering her initial year in Iceland as a 17/18yo Rotary exchange student and her first exposure to the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, through several return visits and the writing of her phenomenally successful debut novel, Burial Rites, and ending with a visit in 2023 to appear as a guest at the Reykjavik International Literary Festival, Kent's love for her second home shines through on every page. It seems only fitting that a country with such a strong and important literary tradition was so instrumental in shaping the writer that she has become.
Highly recommended to readers who enjoy memoir, adventure and/or peeking behind the literary curtain.
June 1, 2025
This is such evocative storytelling transporting me right alongside Hannah Kent during her many trips to Iceland starting from her first sojourn as an exchange student at the age of 17. Her deep love for the land and people shining through every page. It’s also a great companion piece to her novel Burial Rites which goes into detail of how the book came into existence. So so beautiful!
May 31, 2025
Interesting memoir of Hannah Kent's time in Iceland as a Rotary exchange student as a 17 year old, followed up by her return visits to research for her eventual bestseller Burial Rites. I loved the first half about her initial visit, first time leaving Australia or seeing snow, so a real game changer. The details in the second half about her research were not so interesting for me. The people she meets during her initial visit and follow ups are wonderful. Library ebook 3.5 stars for me
January 10, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this! I am obsessed with Iceland and this book is a lovely, warmhearted tribute to that country and its people. It’s also a fascinating look at how Hannah Kent became interested in the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last person to be executed in Iceland, and how her award winning book, “Burial Rites,” took shape. Absolutely riveting and beautifully written
Highly, highly recommend. I ordered my signed copy from Blackwell’s in the UK - the book is not available in my library system and Blackwell’s (shipping is free to the US) was cheaper than Amazon, even with it being a signed copy.
Highly, highly recommend. I ordered my signed copy from Blackwell’s in the UK - the book is not available in my library system and Blackwell’s (shipping is free to the US) was cheaper than Amazon, even with it being a signed copy.
May 4, 2025
I love this author's work. I found this chronicle of her writing journey, which began in teens, enthralling. By necessity, an autobiography must be in fairly bland style rather than this author's trademark mystical language.
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May 9, 2025Such a beautiful memoir: a love letter to a country and its people, a formative experience, a companion to Burial Rites, a look at a writer’s life. Kent tells the story of her year exchange in Iceland as a teenager with such care and attention. The second half of the book details her research, writing and promotion of Burial Rites, a novel I adored. Despite having read it more than 12 years ago, it came flooding back. Kent’s deep love for Iceland is palpable even as she grapples with the language and at times the food and customs. Kent’s a superb writer and her prose here is lovely. The inner world may be the perogative of the novellist as Kent writes but the memoirist also needs a handle on their own interiority. I listened to this on audio, read by Hannah herself and she really brings the Icelandic language to life. I love memoirs read by the author and this was particularly moving and beautiful. Highly recommend.
June 9, 2025
Beautiful storytelling and so interesting.
This offers so much insight into Hannah Kent's story Burial Rites about Agnes Magnúsdóttir, as well her connection to Iceland.
Another fantastic read for #AussieAugust2025
This offers so much insight into Hannah Kent's story Burial Rites about Agnes Magnúsdóttir, as well her connection to Iceland.
Another fantastic read for #AussieAugust2025
May 16, 2026
4,25
Nos encontramos ante un libro que podría decirse que es autobiográfico, en el que la autora cuenta una parte de su vida, como siendo muy joven se dio cuenta por primera vez de que quería ser escritora, la inspiración para escribir “Ritos funerarios” cuando estuvo en Islandia como estudiante de intercambio, la acogida que tuvo en ese país, la dificultad que fue aprender un idioma, el clima, la sociedad, la cultural y todo lo que para ella supuso.
Unas memorias donde Hannah muestra como le afecto la llegada a Islandia y que con el tiempo llego a amar, logró comunicarse y hacer amigos que le duran a día de hoy. Pero lo que realmente cuenta, es como se inspiro en su gran obra “Ritos funerarios”.
Mientras realizaba un curso de escritura, sintió la necesidad de investigar todo el caso, y como en la distancia le resultaba muy complicado, volvió y así detalla la investigación, la ayuda recibida, la publicación y las repercusiones y reacciones que tuvo en todo el país.
Asique si no has leído a la autora quizá te recomiendo que leas antes “Ritos funerarios” y descubras la magnifica forma que tiene de escribir, este libro no es como tal una novela y quizá puede hacerse algo mas lento o menos interesante, pero si te gusta la autora te encantara.
«Puedo entender por qué los fantasmas tienen tanta presencia en Islandia. Incluso en los pocos meses que llevo viviendo aquí, he visto cómo el viento arrastra la nieve por el suelo por la noche, como un espíritu en busca de descanso. Cómo a veces las montañas parecen tener rostros, y cómo el viento puede sonar como un niño que llora. Islandia parece un lugar donde habitan los fantasmas. Aquí se respira un aire diferente. De alguna manera, las fronteras parecen permeables»
Nos encontramos ante un libro que podría decirse que es autobiográfico, en el que la autora cuenta una parte de su vida, como siendo muy joven se dio cuenta por primera vez de que quería ser escritora, la inspiración para escribir “Ritos funerarios” cuando estuvo en Islandia como estudiante de intercambio, la acogida que tuvo en ese país, la dificultad que fue aprender un idioma, el clima, la sociedad, la cultural y todo lo que para ella supuso.
Unas memorias donde Hannah muestra como le afecto la llegada a Islandia y que con el tiempo llego a amar, logró comunicarse y hacer amigos que le duran a día de hoy. Pero lo que realmente cuenta, es como se inspiro en su gran obra “Ritos funerarios”.
Mientras realizaba un curso de escritura, sintió la necesidad de investigar todo el caso, y como en la distancia le resultaba muy complicado, volvió y así detalla la investigación, la ayuda recibida, la publicación y las repercusiones y reacciones que tuvo en todo el país.
Asique si no has leído a la autora quizá te recomiendo que leas antes “Ritos funerarios” y descubras la magnifica forma que tiene de escribir, este libro no es como tal una novela y quizá puede hacerse algo mas lento o menos interesante, pero si te gusta la autora te encantara.
«Puedo entender por qué los fantasmas tienen tanta presencia en Islandia. Incluso en los pocos meses que llevo viviendo aquí, he visto cómo el viento arrastra la nieve por el suelo por la noche, como un espíritu en busca de descanso. Cómo a veces las montañas parecen tener rostros, y cómo el viento puede sonar como un niño que llora. Islandia parece un lugar donde habitan los fantasmas. Aquí se respira un aire diferente. De alguna manera, las fronteras parecen permeables»
August 23, 2025
“I am suddenly, acutely aware of how we are outlasted by the words we write.”
Always Home, Always Homesick is a memoir by award-winning, bestselling Australian author, Hannah Kent. She describes how, at a very young age, she first realised that she wanted to be a writer, and the inspiration she drew from a year as an exchange student in Iceland. She details how the welcome of her first host family lacked warmth, how learning the language was an enormous challenge until she moved in with a family with children, and how the landscape, climate and society were a huge culture shock.
Homesickness, which she tried to hide, featured large until she was eventually able to communicate better in Icelandic, joined a theater group, and was able to make friends. But the story of Iceland’s last execution captured her attention, and remained in her mind, eventually to become the subject of her first novel. By the time she has to leave, she feels that “My bones have knitted with this place. There is a quiet exchange of marrow between us now.”
Doing a creative writing course, she felt drawn back to Iceland, to research the story of Agnes Magnusdottir. Researching the case from afar had limitations, and when she returned to Iceland, she noted “I have always accepted that historical records might contain mistakes, but now I see they can be positively error-riddled. Records suddenly seem fallible, filled with prejudice, insistent on singular truths. History, I decide, is prismatic, multi-faceted. It needs to be regarded from many angles. “
She details the researching, the unexpected help from different quarters, the writing, the eventual publishing, the aftermath, and the reaction her novel stimulated in Iceland. The number of connections and coincidences is almost eerie. Her observations about Iceland, to which she applies her unmatched talent for descriptive prose, are fascinating:
“I have discovered that Icelanders sometimes speak on the in-breath, especially when in agreement. They literally do not stop talking to take a breath. I didn’t know it was possible to do this. I have never attempted to speak while inhaling, but now I practise it in my bedroom so that one day I might sound like a local. Instead of projecting my voice into the world, I inhale words from the air, as though they were always there, suspended around me, and only needed breath to form. It is a curious sensation, to finish speaking with my lungs full.”
“I lose myself in thought, watching the mountains and valleys and hills undulate as we curve around them, the shining ribbons of river capturing all available light and carrying it out to sea. The sudden endlessness to my vision makes my mind feel as though it is unfurling, as though there is room enough within me now to hold more. More beauty, more feeling. The earth seems an offering to the higher power of the sky, and I wonder whether this country is more light than anything else. It wraps around the horizon.”
“I can understand why ghosts have a strong presence in Iceland. Even in my few months of living here, I have seen how the wind moves the snow along the ground at night, like a spirit looking for rest. How sometimes the mountains seem to possess faces, and how the wind can sound like a crying child. Iceland feels like a place where ghosts abide. There is another air here. The boundaries feel permeable somehow.” Mesmerising.
Always Home, Always Homesick is a memoir by award-winning, bestselling Australian author, Hannah Kent. She describes how, at a very young age, she first realised that she wanted to be a writer, and the inspiration she drew from a year as an exchange student in Iceland. She details how the welcome of her first host family lacked warmth, how learning the language was an enormous challenge until she moved in with a family with children, and how the landscape, climate and society were a huge culture shock.
Homesickness, which she tried to hide, featured large until she was eventually able to communicate better in Icelandic, joined a theater group, and was able to make friends. But the story of Iceland’s last execution captured her attention, and remained in her mind, eventually to become the subject of her first novel. By the time she has to leave, she feels that “My bones have knitted with this place. There is a quiet exchange of marrow between us now.”
Doing a creative writing course, she felt drawn back to Iceland, to research the story of Agnes Magnusdottir. Researching the case from afar had limitations, and when she returned to Iceland, she noted “I have always accepted that historical records might contain mistakes, but now I see they can be positively error-riddled. Records suddenly seem fallible, filled with prejudice, insistent on singular truths. History, I decide, is prismatic, multi-faceted. It needs to be regarded from many angles. “
She details the researching, the unexpected help from different quarters, the writing, the eventual publishing, the aftermath, and the reaction her novel stimulated in Iceland. The number of connections and coincidences is almost eerie. Her observations about Iceland, to which she applies her unmatched talent for descriptive prose, are fascinating:
“I have discovered that Icelanders sometimes speak on the in-breath, especially when in agreement. They literally do not stop talking to take a breath. I didn’t know it was possible to do this. I have never attempted to speak while inhaling, but now I practise it in my bedroom so that one day I might sound like a local. Instead of projecting my voice into the world, I inhale words from the air, as though they were always there, suspended around me, and only needed breath to form. It is a curious sensation, to finish speaking with my lungs full.”
“I lose myself in thought, watching the mountains and valleys and hills undulate as we curve around them, the shining ribbons of river capturing all available light and carrying it out to sea. The sudden endlessness to my vision makes my mind feel as though it is unfurling, as though there is room enough within me now to hold more. More beauty, more feeling. The earth seems an offering to the higher power of the sky, and I wonder whether this country is more light than anything else. It wraps around the horizon.”
“I can understand why ghosts have a strong presence in Iceland. Even in my few months of living here, I have seen how the wind moves the snow along the ground at night, like a spirit looking for rest. How sometimes the mountains seem to possess faces, and how the wind can sound like a crying child. Iceland feels like a place where ghosts abide. There is another air here. The boundaries feel permeable somehow.” Mesmerising.
August 2, 2025
If you haven’t read Burial Rites, you will want to after reading the author’s account of how she came to the story, how she researched it, and how it has never left her since.
I loved Burial Rites and so I was delighted to learn that Hannah Kent has written more about its subject. Agnes Magnusdottir and Fridrik, a young man, were beheaded when found guilty of the murder of their master, Natan Ketilsson, and Petur Jonsson, in 1830. It was the last execution in Iceland.
Hannah Kent first went to Iceland as a teenage exchange student, a huge adventure for an Australian who had never before left the country. She describes how she learned to speak Icelandic so that she fitted in better. This period in her life led to a lifelong love of Iceland and its people and a fascination with Agnes’s story. The depth of research she undertook to write the book is remarkable, although she never stops reminding everyone that her book is a work of fiction, not a history. She wanted to write from Agnes’s perspective which is not one that seems to have been taken account of previously. At times, I thought she was being quite fanciful, rather overdramatising her experiences, but she is steeped in Icelandic culture now and Icelanders are steeped in the past and in otherworldly phenomena so I suppose she is channelling that.
A very interesting and enjoyable read and recommended especially to anyone who enjoyed Burial Rites and/or to anyone who enjoys Hannah Kent’s writing in general.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for a review copy.
I loved Burial Rites and so I was delighted to learn that Hannah Kent has written more about its subject. Agnes Magnusdottir and Fridrik, a young man, were beheaded when found guilty of the murder of their master, Natan Ketilsson, and Petur Jonsson, in 1830. It was the last execution in Iceland.
Hannah Kent first went to Iceland as a teenage exchange student, a huge adventure for an Australian who had never before left the country. She describes how she learned to speak Icelandic so that she fitted in better. This period in her life led to a lifelong love of Iceland and its people and a fascination with Agnes’s story. The depth of research she undertook to write the book is remarkable, although she never stops reminding everyone that her book is a work of fiction, not a history. She wanted to write from Agnes’s perspective which is not one that seems to have been taken account of previously. At times, I thought she was being quite fanciful, rather overdramatising her experiences, but she is steeped in Icelandic culture now and Icelanders are steeped in the past and in otherworldly phenomena so I suppose she is channelling that.
A very interesting and enjoyable read and recommended especially to anyone who enjoyed Burial Rites and/or to anyone who enjoys Hannah Kent’s writing in general.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for a review copy.
July 14, 2025
Insightful, intriguing and introspective.
I stumbled upon this memoir almost by accident—and nearly passed it by. With a growing stack of unread books demanding my attention, I hesitated. After all, what could an author so early in her career possibly have to reflect on? But curiosity won out—particularly my fascination with how an Australian writer managed to craft such a remarkable work of historical fiction set in Iceland.
I’m so glad I gave in.
What unfolded was an intimate, thoughtful exploration of Hannah Kent’s life—woven with honesty, humility, and a striking lack of pretence. Her reflections on family, travel, love, and the quiet complexities of becoming a writer add such rich context to her fiction. It never veers into self-congratulation; instead, it feels grounded and sincere, like sitting across from a friend who’s finally letting you into their world.
A beautifully introspective read that was more than worth setting aside my other books.
I stumbled upon this memoir almost by accident—and nearly passed it by. With a growing stack of unread books demanding my attention, I hesitated. After all, what could an author so early in her career possibly have to reflect on? But curiosity won out—particularly my fascination with how an Australian writer managed to craft such a remarkable work of historical fiction set in Iceland.
I’m so glad I gave in.
What unfolded was an intimate, thoughtful exploration of Hannah Kent’s life—woven with honesty, humility, and a striking lack of pretence. Her reflections on family, travel, love, and the quiet complexities of becoming a writer add such rich context to her fiction. It never veers into self-congratulation; instead, it feels grounded and sincere, like sitting across from a friend who’s finally letting you into their world.
A beautifully introspective read that was more than worth setting aside my other books.
May 8, 2025
Hard for me to put into words how much I connected with this book. Having spent a bit of time in Iceland myself and having a very dear Icelandic friend, I found myself colouring the story in with my memories of our own roadtrip on the ring road. Only Hannah Kent could write a memoir so mystical and poetic. I listened to the audiobook and I am really looking forward to reading the physical book when I buy it this weekend while seeing Hannah at the Melbourne Writers Festival. Ugh this one is going to stay with me forever. <3
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August 30, 2026Zaista se ne sećam kada sam poslednji put u životu ovoliko uživao u nekoj knjizi. Duša me boli što sam je završio jer stvarno nisam želeo da čitanju dođe kraj.
Hana Kent u svom memoaru "Always Home, Always Homesick" istražuje teme pripadnosti jednom narodu koji nije njen, piše o svojim sećanjima na period u tinejdžerskim danima kada je otišla na razmenu učenika iz Australije na Island, posvećuje se temama kreativnog procesa i stvaranja jednog književnog dela ("Pogrebni običaji", odnosno "Burial Rights") i kako je (i da li je) moguće napisati islandski roman ako pisac nije izvorno sa Islanda. Knjiga je na neki način podeljena u dva dela - period koji opisuje njenu mladost kada je na Islandu bila učenica koja nikada nije videla sneg niti čula reč islandskog jezika, te period kada je u kasnijim godinama istraživala, pisala i izdala svoj roman prvenac posvećen poslednjoj javnoj egzekuciji na Islandu. U njemu Kentova opisuje tragičan kraj Agnes Magnusdotir, žene koja je "zaposela" Hanin duh i telo istog trenutka kada je prvi put čula njenu životnu priču.
Delikatnost Haninih sećanja, njeni fascinantni opisi Islanda, ljudi, pripadnosti, odrastanja, ljubavi prema prirodi, jeziku, predanjima i istoriji jedne zemlje se zaista može svesti u podnaslov ove knjige - "A Love Letter to Iceland". Ljubav zrači na svakoj stranici, a nostalgija je toliko jaka da jednostavno tera suze na oči. Osetio sam hladan islandski vetar na svojoj koži, a sećanje na sopstvenu avanturu me je još više vezalo za ovaj memoar, koji mi je samo potvrdio da jednom u životu nije dovoljno otići na Island i osetiti čari lepote življenja na tom mestu.
Kada se osvrnem na ceo memoar, od početka do kraja, shvatam koliko je Hana bila srećna. I to ne samo što je sada svetski poznata i priznata spisateljica... Ona je srećna jer je od detinjstva bila okružena ljudima koji su videli nju onakvu kakva zaista jeste. Ljudima koji su prepoznali njen talenat, počevši od roditelja, preko prijatelja, "foster" tate na Islandu (koji je ujedno bio njen nastavnik i koji je prepoznao poetu u njoj), pa sve do njene životne saputnice sa kojom ima porodicu i od koje je uvek dobijala maksimalu podršku. Okruženost ovim ljudima dovelo ju je do same Agnes, koja ju je kasnije proslavila i koja je uz nju i dan danas. Bilo je lepo videti i imena poput Sjona, Irse Sigurdardotir, te i legendarne Bjork, čija je muzika bila jedan od prvih upliva mlade Hane u svet Islanda.
"Always Home, Always Homesick" je divan naziv jednog ovakvog memoara. Moguće da sedam dana u hotelu na dva i po kilometara od centra Rejkjavika ne mogu da opravdaju moj "homesickness" koji na dnevnom nivou osećam prema Islandu, ali da postoji neka magija koja zavuek vezuje srca svakog ko poseti tu državu za nju - postoji. To je stvar koju je teško objasniti dok se makar jednom ne udahne njen leden vazduh i proguta gutljaj ledene, kristalno čiste vode.
🙈💛
Hana Kent u svom memoaru "Always Home, Always Homesick" istražuje teme pripadnosti jednom narodu koji nije njen, piše o svojim sećanjima na period u tinejdžerskim danima kada je otišla na razmenu učenika iz Australije na Island, posvećuje se temama kreativnog procesa i stvaranja jednog književnog dela ("Pogrebni običaji", odnosno "Burial Rights") i kako je (i da li je) moguće napisati islandski roman ako pisac nije izvorno sa Islanda. Knjiga je na neki način podeljena u dva dela - period koji opisuje njenu mladost kada je na Islandu bila učenica koja nikada nije videla sneg niti čula reč islandskog jezika, te period kada je u kasnijim godinama istraživala, pisala i izdala svoj roman prvenac posvećen poslednjoj javnoj egzekuciji na Islandu. U njemu Kentova opisuje tragičan kraj Agnes Magnusdotir, žene koja je "zaposela" Hanin duh i telo istog trenutka kada je prvi put čula njenu životnu priču.
Delikatnost Haninih sećanja, njeni fascinantni opisi Islanda, ljudi, pripadnosti, odrastanja, ljubavi prema prirodi, jeziku, predanjima i istoriji jedne zemlje se zaista može svesti u podnaslov ove knjige - "A Love Letter to Iceland". Ljubav zrači na svakoj stranici, a nostalgija je toliko jaka da jednostavno tera suze na oči. Osetio sam hladan islandski vetar na svojoj koži, a sećanje na sopstvenu avanturu me je još više vezalo za ovaj memoar, koji mi je samo potvrdio da jednom u životu nije dovoljno otići na Island i osetiti čari lepote življenja na tom mestu.
Kada se osvrnem na ceo memoar, od početka do kraja, shvatam koliko je Hana bila srećna. I to ne samo što je sada svetski poznata i priznata spisateljica... Ona je srećna jer je od detinjstva bila okružena ljudima koji su videli nju onakvu kakva zaista jeste. Ljudima koji su prepoznali njen talenat, počevši od roditelja, preko prijatelja, "foster" tate na Islandu (koji je ujedno bio njen nastavnik i koji je prepoznao poetu u njoj), pa sve do njene životne saputnice sa kojom ima porodicu i od koje je uvek dobijala maksimalu podršku. Okruženost ovim ljudima dovelo ju je do same Agnes, koja ju je kasnije proslavila i koja je uz nju i dan danas. Bilo je lepo videti i imena poput Sjona, Irse Sigurdardotir, te i legendarne Bjork, čija je muzika bila jedan od prvih upliva mlade Hane u svet Islanda.
"Always Home, Always Homesick" je divan naziv jednog ovakvog memoara. Moguće da sedam dana u hotelu na dva i po kilometara od centra Rejkjavika ne mogu da opravdaju moj "homesickness" koji na dnevnom nivou osećam prema Islandu, ali da postoji neka magija koja zavuek vezuje srca svakog ko poseti tu državu za nju - postoji. To je stvar koju je teško objasniti dok se makar jednom ne udahne njen leden vazduh i proguta gutljaj ledene, kristalno čiste vode.
🙈💛
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January 24, 2026I don't rate biographies and memoirs.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this while exploring Iceland myself, and it definitely enhanced my experience. This is a memoir told almost in two parts - the first is Hannah reminiscing about her time as a rotary exchange student at the age of 18 and her initial love affair with Iceland and it's inhabitants. There's a lot of self reflection, Hannah exploring Iceland and also more about herself, and how her time spent in this beautiful place, and the people she meets, shaped her life and future career. The second is about her return to Iceland as she researches Agnes Magnusdottir, the subject of her debut novel, and her almost obsessive quest for answers. It's beautifully written, almost poetic, and Hannah's love of Iceland is obvious in every word. I love that Iceland and it's history is so heavily steeped in stories and lore. The Icelandic sagas have shaped it's inhabitants to share a deep reverence for story telling (the government even offers cultural grants to ensure it's continued importance) and the Icelandic language is wonderfully unique and highly enjoyable to read about.
Great read about some of the literary aspect of Icelandic culture, as well as a small look into a lost teenager finding her way to this magical island of fire and ice and discovering her place in the world.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this while exploring Iceland myself, and it definitely enhanced my experience. This is a memoir told almost in two parts - the first is Hannah reminiscing about her time as a rotary exchange student at the age of 18 and her initial love affair with Iceland and it's inhabitants. There's a lot of self reflection, Hannah exploring Iceland and also more about herself, and how her time spent in this beautiful place, and the people she meets, shaped her life and future career. The second is about her return to Iceland as she researches Agnes Magnusdottir, the subject of her debut novel, and her almost obsessive quest for answers. It's beautifully written, almost poetic, and Hannah's love of Iceland is obvious in every word. I love that Iceland and it's history is so heavily steeped in stories and lore. The Icelandic sagas have shaped it's inhabitants to share a deep reverence for story telling (the government even offers cultural grants to ensure it's continued importance) and the Icelandic language is wonderfully unique and highly enjoyable to read about.
Great read about some of the literary aspect of Icelandic culture, as well as a small look into a lost teenager finding her way to this magical island of fire and ice and discovering her place in the world.
September 7, 2026
Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites was an astonishing debut novel and one of my favorites of this year. I learned that Kent had written a memoir describing her relationship to Iceland (where Burial Rites is set; she’s Australian) and the research she’d done to write the book. Intrigued, I snapped up the first copy I could find.
Sometimes it’s better not to see the sausage being made. Nothing I’ve read in this book has lessened my respect for, and enjoyment of, her debut novel by a milligram. In fact, the portions describing her research were one of the best things about this; it’s truly inspiring the way she overcame her reluctance to impose on other people and instead made collaborators of the many Icelanders who had something to contribute to her understanding of historical events.
I was happy to have a couple of guesses about the author’s intent confirmed here. In my review and comments of Burial Rites, I said
Her first novel brought her worldwide fame, deservedly so, and we gain an insider’s view of what the life of a successful author looks like. This part of the book was, for me, less enthralling; celebrity, even literary celebrity, isn’t something I have a lot of interest in.
But I have more tolerance for that than I do for pages upon pages of people’s dreams and their purported meanings. As for literary theory: Genius is a quality that is rarely distilled down to words effectively. I didn’t enjoy the book more after learning about Kent’s ideas of how a historical novel should be written. And the stress and sleeplessnesss of parenting – there’s plenty of people I can talk to about that; its presence in this book was more distracting than informative.
The cover is lovely, though, and overall I’m glad I read this.
Sometimes it’s better not to see the sausage being made. Nothing I’ve read in this book has lessened my respect for, and enjoyment of, her debut novel by a milligram. In fact, the portions describing her research were one of the best things about this; it’s truly inspiring the way she overcame her reluctance to impose on other people and instead made collaborators of the many Icelanders who had something to contribute to her understanding of historical events.
I was happy to have a couple of guesses about the author’s intent confirmed here. In my review and comments of Burial Rites, I said
I'm haunted by that "white sack of useless odds and ends," because the rest of their possessions were functional but I imagine the white sack was what contained their life. A button from the dress they wore the night they lost their virginity. A dewclaw from their favorite dog. A bird's egg their mother found and gave to them. No objective value at all, but all they really had to chart their days on earth so far.”Here, Kent writes,
I am taken by the description of ‘a white sack with useless odds and ends.’ Childhood keepsakes?She also writes beautifully about Iceland itself. The extremes of heat and cold on the small island make for dramatic sights, and she didn’t live in Reykjavic but in the mostly-rural northwest corner of the island. She made it a place I truly wish to visit.
Her first novel brought her worldwide fame, deservedly so, and we gain an insider’s view of what the life of a successful author looks like. This part of the book was, for me, less enthralling; celebrity, even literary celebrity, isn’t something I have a lot of interest in.
But I have more tolerance for that than I do for pages upon pages of people’s dreams and their purported meanings. As for literary theory: Genius is a quality that is rarely distilled down to words effectively. I didn’t enjoy the book more after learning about Kent’s ideas of how a historical novel should be written. And the stress and sleeplessnesss of parenting – there’s plenty of people I can talk to about that; its presence in this book was more distracting than informative.
The cover is lovely, though, and overall I’m glad I read this.
December 11, 2025
“Filled with excitement, I dress and head up the mountainside until my view is completely unimpeded. Then I lie down on my back and turn my face to the aurora. I have always yearned for euphoric sublimation to beauty. Lying in the snow with the creep of cold against my neck, the great and living wash of light pouring down upon me, so thick as to occlude the stars behind, so bright as to throw the mountains surrounding the valley into such silhouette they lose mass and become merely a corrugated horizon of darkness, I feel it.
I feel dissolution into the world and the rapture of my own insignificance.
Who am I, to see such things?
To lie under a rippling ecstasy of colour is a moment beyond articulation. Still, I long to fit these swerving arcs of brilliant green and violet and red into language.
In my brief breath of life, might I find a way to fit light to paper?”
This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I felt seen as a reader, as a writer, as a human being born in one place who found another home by chance, and how it feels to always be homesick for another land, another family of people, another chapter of stories. It’s gloriously full of ghosts and magic. Hannah Kent is one of those people born to write.
What a gift, to end 2025 with such beauty.
I feel dissolution into the world and the rapture of my own insignificance.
Who am I, to see such things?
To lie under a rippling ecstasy of colour is a moment beyond articulation. Still, I long to fit these swerving arcs of brilliant green and violet and red into language.
In my brief breath of life, might I find a way to fit light to paper?”
This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I felt seen as a reader, as a writer, as a human being born in one place who found another home by chance, and how it feels to always be homesick for another land, another family of people, another chapter of stories. It’s gloriously full of ghosts and magic. Hannah Kent is one of those people born to write.
What a gift, to end 2025 with such beauty.
March 1, 2026
I loved this. The writing was beautiful, emotive and evocative, and the storytelling enthralling enough to make me want to read another chapter, and another, and another. I enjoyed her reflections on Icelandic culture and could relate to some aspects of it as a Scandinavian. I felt she spoke of the country, its people and culture with such deep respect and compassion. I was deeply moved by the depth of community and belonging she eventually found. Now I really want to read Burial Rites, and go to Iceland of course.
April 8, 2026
A reminder in how beautiful Kent’s writing is - truly my favourite Australian author (and I hate picking favourites). Memoirs aren’t my thing but her writing - over plot or character - kept me reading.
November 21, 2025
Loved it. Wanted to savour every page of it. Hannah Kent has the most beautiful prose and is a master storyteller. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2025
First time writing a review, I’ll keep it short and sweet... With 2026 about to arrive, this was a really good last read of the year (and last book of my reading challenge) - very mellow and inspiring, and felt like I was being drawn into Iceland like HK and back into burial rites as a project more than a story which was really cool. If you want to read this book, definitely read Burial Rites first, you’ll want to understand the Icelandic lore HK drops there before you unlock this more modern look into Iceland culture and literature. Discovered I’m actually a fan of memoirs (despite previous assumptions they’d bore me to tears, like biographies) and also that I’d like to review books more often like this to come back to (new years resolution?)… I also credit this book with reigniting my passion for language - the way Icelandic is made into such a prominent motif, theme and form of the memoir is striking and has made me want to pick French back up again. It made me think a lot about creativity and how writing used to be a much larger player in my life before I kind of left it behind as a lame pursuit. Maybe it’s embarrassing to admit you want to write more or start poetry or something like that but boom there’s another resolution for me this year… hence this review. Overall, it was obviously a very thought-provoking read, and naturally, a beautifully written and easily read memoir of HK’s relationship with Iceland, family and language. So much for short and sweet, but this is my first 5 star novel in a long time (I knew it would be within the first 60 pages), so I have a lot more to say than normal.
April 13, 2025
I am not a big reader of memoirs; however, I have read and enjoyed all of Hannah Kent's books, especially Burial Rites, so I thought it might be interesting to get more insight into her journey. Always Home, Always Homesick was an informative and enjoyable read. I hadn't realised how young Hannah was when she first went to Iceland, so hearing about her life-shaping experiences there was fascinating. As a language-learner myself, it was also interesting to hear about her trials on that front. For those who enjoyed Burial Rites this memoir offers wonderful insight into how that book came into being, from first inspiration to all the research Hannah went back to do years later. Even if you have not read Hannah's works, this book still offers fun insight into an author's creative process, tied into her personal development and growth. I am giving it four stars.
I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
I was transfixed by this memoir of Hannah Kent's time in Iceland and the time she was writing Burial Rites. Wonderful
December 23, 2025
I feel a spiritual connection to Hannah Kent and this book
June 3, 2025
Read most of this in preparation for my first trip to Iceland. I related strongly to her experience as an Australian exchange student in a European country and the initial isolation induced by the cultural differences. Iceland is beautiful and mystical and Kent conveys it so well. I also think the title alone is beautiful!
I did enjoy the first half somewhat more than the second half which focuses more on the writing process of Burial Rites. I have read Burial Rites previously and liked it but didn't love it and this is likely why I was less invested in that part of the memoir. In saying that though, I would like to revisit Burial Rites at some point as I think I would connect with it more now.
After spending only 3 days in Iceland it captured my heart and I can't wait to return to experience more of its beauty.
I did enjoy the first half somewhat more than the second half which focuses more on the writing process of Burial Rites. I have read Burial Rites previously and liked it but didn't love it and this is likely why I was less invested in that part of the memoir. In saying that though, I would like to revisit Burial Rites at some point as I think I would connect with it more now.
After spending only 3 days in Iceland it captured my heart and I can't wait to return to experience more of its beauty.
December 31, 2025
Wow, I read this book and her first, Burial Rites, concurrently. I witnessed Iceland take hold of Hannah Kent, and ensured she knew of its difference, its other-worldliness, its requirement for basically a different mouth to produce its incredible language, its awe inspiring nature and jaw-dropping scenery, its focus on genealogy, its obsession with stories, especially those laced with the occult, or strange goings-on. And then, Agnes’ story took hold, and Hannah gave her voice another airing. She brought her story to many more people than it had reached before, and Hannah bore witness to that story in a remarkably researched, faithful and heartfelt way. This book made me feel Hannah’s moods, I felt the strains of feeling an outsider in Iceland, at first, and I felt the impact of that remarkable climate. Hannah Kent gave us this incandescent story, gave us Iceland’s sonorous tales, showed us the heart of its people and basically paints the aurora that is Iceland. Thank you for sharing such beauty and truth at our feet. Much appreciated.
September 11, 2025
I had been wanting to read ‘Always Home Always Homesick for sometime. It was a rewarding read. Ms Kent writes clearly and with emotion. The first half of the book is a recall of her year as an Australian high school exchange student in Iceland. She has a mature attitude and sets out to gain an understanding of the culture, history, language and food. She has a successful and rewarding time.
The second half is an account of her researching and writing her first novel ‘Burial Rites’, which tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir a servant in Northern Iceland who was condemned to death after the murder of two men and she was the last woman to be executed in Iceland in 1830.
One of my next reads will be ’Burial Rites’.
The second half is an account of her researching and writing her first novel ‘Burial Rites’, which tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir a servant in Northern Iceland who was condemned to death after the murder of two men and she was the last woman to be executed in Iceland in 1830.
One of my next reads will be ’Burial Rites’.
May 4, 2025
There are not many writers that can craft words into crystal clear imagery but Hannah Kent does it without even trying. I LOVED Burial Rites and loved this memoir
June 21, 2025
Travel memoir ✅ by an excellent writer ✅ set in Iceland ✅. Went straight to the top of my TBR pile and did not disappoint. Loved every page. Lost a star because it brought back sad memories of being unsuccessful in my high school application / group interview to be an exchange student. I mean how did that happen??
As well as the fab stories of Iceland I loved the whole home/homesick theme and the repeated visits back, everyone a bit older but just as welcoming. (She has her very own George and Olive ❤️ )
On the last page she writes about the different versions of herself over the years that have visited : ok I’m going to use her words, why not:
I look back at the three hills and I see my past selves there … and as I leave I know that I am also remaining
Love it.
As well as the fab stories of Iceland I loved the whole home/homesick theme and the repeated visits back, everyone a bit older but just as welcoming. (She has her very own George and Olive ❤️ )
On the last page she writes about the different versions of herself over the years that have visited : ok I’m going to use her words, why not:
I look back at the three hills and I see my past selves there … and as I leave I know that I am also remaining
Love it.
October 27, 2025
It took me a while to read this memoir from the wonderful Hannah Kent, but that’s because I’m struggling to focus on any reading at the moment, not because this book wasn’t engaging.
If you’re a fan of Kent or Burial Rites, or Iceland even, this is a must read. In it we learn of Kent’s first visit to Iceland as a student and how her love for the country grew, as did her compulsion to tell the story of Agnes Magnusdottir. We return to Iceland with her as she visits approximately every 3 years but particularly while researching her first novel.
This is a beautifully written memoir and was a delight to read!
If you’re a fan of Kent or Burial Rites, or Iceland even, this is a must read. In it we learn of Kent’s first visit to Iceland as a student and how her love for the country grew, as did her compulsion to tell the story of Agnes Magnusdottir. We return to Iceland with her as she visits approximately every 3 years but particularly while researching her first novel.
This is a beautifully written memoir and was a delight to read!
February 1, 2026
I particularly enjoyed the early chapters about her time as an exchange student. What an experience for an impressive young person. Her descriptions of the landscapes,customs ,lifestyle, family & food ( traditional meals not so appealing 😩) are fantastic.
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