What do you think?
Rate this book
August: We carry what we bury
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 29, 2026
Book Review: August: We Carry What We Bury by Ian Hanes
August: We Carry What We Bury is a deeply moving literary novel that explores the enduring weight of grief, the resilience of the human spirit, and the invisible threads that connect lives across generations and continents. Ian Hanes crafts an emotionally rich story that examines not only what people lose but also what they carry forward in the wake of unimaginable sorrow.
The novel centers on August Harper, whose promising future is forever altered by the death of Rose Carter, the woman he loved. Choosing a quiet life on the family farm over his dreams, August becomes a man shaped by silence and loss. When an abandoned infant unexpectedly enters his life, his journey evolves into one of quiet redemption, demonstrating how love can return in unexpected forms even after profound heartbreak.
Adding remarkable emotional depth is Rose herself, whose perspective from the afterlife offers a unique lens through which the story unfolds. Her voice is observant, heartfelt, and occasionally witty, creating an intimate connection between the reader and the characters while emphasizing that love and memory continue to influence the living long after death.
The novel also expands beyond one family's story through Layla, an Iraqi-Lebanese woman whose experiences of war, displacement, and the devastating Beirut port explosion mirror the universal nature of grief. By weaving together lives separated by geography and culture, Hanes highlights how suffering, hope, and resilience transcend borders, creating a story with both personal and global significance.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Rather than rushing toward easy resolutions, it allows grief to unfold naturally, acknowledging its complexity while showing how compassion, family, and unexpected connections can slowly create space for healing. The themes of parenthood, memory, identity, and forgiveness are handled with sensitivity and depth.
The writing is lyrical and reflective, inviting readers to slow down and fully experience the emotional landscape of each character. Hanes balances intimate character moments with broader reflections on loss, making the novel feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Overall, August: We Carry What We Bury is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel about love that endures beyond death, the burdens we inherit, and the healing found through human connection. Readers who appreciate emotionally driven literary fiction with richly developed characters and profound themes will find this to be a memorable and rewarding read that lingers long after the final page.
August: We Carry What We Bury is a deeply moving literary novel that explores the enduring weight of grief, the resilience of the human spirit, and the invisible threads that connect lives across generations and continents. Ian Hanes crafts an emotionally rich story that examines not only what people lose but also what they carry forward in the wake of unimaginable sorrow.
The novel centers on August Harper, whose promising future is forever altered by the death of Rose Carter, the woman he loved. Choosing a quiet life on the family farm over his dreams, August becomes a man shaped by silence and loss. When an abandoned infant unexpectedly enters his life, his journey evolves into one of quiet redemption, demonstrating how love can return in unexpected forms even after profound heartbreak.
Adding remarkable emotional depth is Rose herself, whose perspective from the afterlife offers a unique lens through which the story unfolds. Her voice is observant, heartfelt, and occasionally witty, creating an intimate connection between the reader and the characters while emphasizing that love and memory continue to influence the living long after death.
The novel also expands beyond one family's story through Layla, an Iraqi-Lebanese woman whose experiences of war, displacement, and the devastating Beirut port explosion mirror the universal nature of grief. By weaving together lives separated by geography and culture, Hanes highlights how suffering, hope, and resilience transcend borders, creating a story with both personal and global significance.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. Rather than rushing toward easy resolutions, it allows grief to unfold naturally, acknowledging its complexity while showing how compassion, family, and unexpected connections can slowly create space for healing. The themes of parenthood, memory, identity, and forgiveness are handled with sensitivity and depth.
The writing is lyrical and reflective, inviting readers to slow down and fully experience the emotional landscape of each character. Hanes balances intimate character moments with broader reflections on loss, making the novel feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Overall, August: We Carry What We Bury is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel about love that endures beyond death, the burdens we inherit, and the healing found through human connection. Readers who appreciate emotionally driven literary fiction with richly developed characters and profound themes will find this to be a memorable and rewarding read that lingers long after the final page.
June 9, 2026
August is a literary novel that explores grief, love, memory and human connection across multiple places, generations and life experiences. Ian Hanes weaves together several interconnected stories, creating a narrative that moves between Kansas, Baghdad and Beirut while examining how loss and resilience shape the people left behind.
One of the novel's most distinctive features is its narrative voice. Rose Carter, observing events from beyond death, provides a perspective that allows the story to explore both the living and the departed while reflecting on the lasting impact people have on one another. Her presence gives the novel a reflective and often contemplative tone.
The story also follows August Harper, whose life is profoundly affected by loss, and Layla, whose experiences are shaped by war, displacement and personal tragedy. Each character carries their own burdens, and the novel gradually reveals the connections between their lives through a series of carefully layered narrative threads.
A notable strength of the book is its willingness to let relationships and revelations develop gradually. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story builds its emotional impact through character development, memory and the evolving connections between people separated by time, geography and circumstance.
Themes of grief, family, survival and the enduring influence of love run throughout the novel. The historical and contemporary events woven into the narrative provide additional context for the characters' journeys while remaining closely tied to their personal experiences.
Overall, August is a reflective literary novel that examines how people carry loss, form connections and find meaning across generations and across great distances.
✨A thoughtful and emotionally layered story about memory, love and the ways lives remain connected even after profound loss.✨
One of the novel's most distinctive features is its narrative voice. Rose Carter, observing events from beyond death, provides a perspective that allows the story to explore both the living and the departed while reflecting on the lasting impact people have on one another. Her presence gives the novel a reflective and often contemplative tone.
The story also follows August Harper, whose life is profoundly affected by loss, and Layla, whose experiences are shaped by war, displacement and personal tragedy. Each character carries their own burdens, and the novel gradually reveals the connections between their lives through a series of carefully layered narrative threads.
A notable strength of the book is its willingness to let relationships and revelations develop gradually. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story builds its emotional impact through character development, memory and the evolving connections between people separated by time, geography and circumstance.
Themes of grief, family, survival and the enduring influence of love run throughout the novel. The historical and contemporary events woven into the narrative provide additional context for the characters' journeys while remaining closely tied to their personal experiences.
Overall, August is a reflective literary novel that examines how people carry loss, form connections and find meaning across generations and across great distances.
✨A thoughtful and emotionally layered story about memory, love and the ways lives remain connected even after profound loss.✨
June 25, 2026
"August: We Carry What We Bury" is not merely a novel; it is a meditation on memory, belonging, and the quiet resilience of ordinary lives. Ian Hanes writes with the tenderness of someone who understands that history is not only found in grand events, but in the whispered conversations, weathered hands, and unspoken longings that shape a community. Through Lebanon, Kansas, he creates a living landscape where time itself becomes a character, carrying the joys and sorrows of generations across the prairie.
What makes this story so powerful is its humanity. August Harper emerges as a deeply authentic figure, shaped by love rather than circumstance, and grounded by the unwavering devotion of his mother and grandfather. His journey unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, yet Hanes never allows history to overshadow the intimate emotional truths of his characters. Every scene feels lived-in, every memory cherished, every loss deeply felt.
The novel’s most remarkable achievement is its voice. The narrator, watching across decades from beyond death, offers reflections that are both poetic and profoundly moving. Echoes of Kahlil Gibran can be felt throughout the narrative, particularly in its understanding that life and death are inseparable companions. The prose carries a gentle wisdom, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and consider the people and places that have shaped them.
At its heart, "August: We Carry What We Bury" is a story about the things that endure: love, memory, family, and hope. Ian Hanes has written a deeply compassionate novel that honors forgotten towns and overlooked lives with grace and dignity. Long after the final page, its characters remain with you, reminding us that what we carry within our hearts never truly leaves us.
What makes this story so powerful is its humanity. August Harper emerges as a deeply authentic figure, shaped by love rather than circumstance, and grounded by the unwavering devotion of his mother and grandfather. His journey unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, yet Hanes never allows history to overshadow the intimate emotional truths of his characters. Every scene feels lived-in, every memory cherished, every loss deeply felt.
The novel’s most remarkable achievement is its voice. The narrator, watching across decades from beyond death, offers reflections that are both poetic and profoundly moving. Echoes of Kahlil Gibran can be felt throughout the narrative, particularly in its understanding that life and death are inseparable companions. The prose carries a gentle wisdom, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and consider the people and places that have shaped them.
At its heart, "August: We Carry What We Bury" is a story about the things that endure: love, memory, family, and hope. Ian Hanes has written a deeply compassionate novel that honors forgotten towns and overlooked lives with grace and dignity. Long after the final page, its characters remain with you, reminding us that what we carry within our hearts never truly leaves us.
June 12, 2026
📖💔✨ I just finished reading "August" by Ian Hanes, and I am honestly struggling to find the right words because this story touched me so deeply. It is a beautiful, emotional, and profoundly human novel about grief, love, family, and the invisible connections that bind people together across time and distance.
What captivated me most was the unique perspective of Rose Carter. Even after her death, her presence is felt throughout the story as she watches over the people she loves. Her voice is sharp, heartfelt, and unforgettable, adding both warmth and emotional depth to every chapter. 🌹
August Harper quickly became a character I cared about deeply. His grief feels real and heavy, yet beneath his silence is a remarkable capacity for love. Watching him raise young John with patience and tenderness was incredibly moving. Their relationship became one of my favorite parts of the novel. 💙
I was equally invested in Layla's journey. Her experiences of war, displacement, loss, and resilience brought another powerful dimension to the story. The way these lives gradually connect felt natural and beautifully crafted.
The writing itself is stunning. Every page carries emotion without ever feeling forced. The themes of loss and healing are handled with such grace that even the saddest moments contain hope.
By the final page, I felt emotional, reflective, and deeply grateful for having experienced this story. *August* is a moving and unforgettable novel that reminds us that love continues to shape our lives long after loss. 🌟📚💖
What captivated me most was the unique perspective of Rose Carter. Even after her death, her presence is felt throughout the story as she watches over the people she loves. Her voice is sharp, heartfelt, and unforgettable, adding both warmth and emotional depth to every chapter. 🌹
August Harper quickly became a character I cared about deeply. His grief feels real and heavy, yet beneath his silence is a remarkable capacity for love. Watching him raise young John with patience and tenderness was incredibly moving. Their relationship became one of my favorite parts of the novel. 💙
I was equally invested in Layla's journey. Her experiences of war, displacement, loss, and resilience brought another powerful dimension to the story. The way these lives gradually connect felt natural and beautifully crafted.
The writing itself is stunning. Every page carries emotion without ever feeling forced. The themes of loss and healing are handled with such grace that even the saddest moments contain hope.
By the final page, I felt emotional, reflective, and deeply grateful for having experienced this story. *August* is a moving and unforgettable novel that reminds us that love continues to shape our lives long after loss. 🌟📚💖
July 13, 2026
I didn’t expect this book to stay with me the way it did.
August: We Carry What We Bury is one of those rare novels that feels quiet on the surface but hits incredibly deep if you let it. The story unfolds gently, but every chapter carries emotional weight. August is such a beautifully written character, reserved, strong and deeply human. Watching him step into fatherhood, not by choice but by circumstance, was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
What really stood out to me was the relationship between August and John. It felt real. Not overly dramatic, not forced, just honest. The kind of bond that grows slowly over time, built on small moments, sacrifice and love that isn’t always spoken out loud.
The writing itself is lyrical without being heavy and I found myself rereading certain passages because they were so thoughtful and true. There’s also this underlying theme about the past, how we carry it, how it shapes us, that really resonated with me.
This isn’t a fast-paced novel, but it’s not meant to be. It is a story you sit with, reflect on and feel. By the end, I realized it’s not just about August, it’s about all of us and the things we choose to hold onto.
Highly recommend if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories that actually mean something.
August: We carry what we bury
August: We Carry What We Bury is one of those rare novels that feels quiet on the surface but hits incredibly deep if you let it. The story unfolds gently, but every chapter carries emotional weight. August is such a beautifully written character, reserved, strong and deeply human. Watching him step into fatherhood, not by choice but by circumstance, was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
What really stood out to me was the relationship between August and John. It felt real. Not overly dramatic, not forced, just honest. The kind of bond that grows slowly over time, built on small moments, sacrifice and love that isn’t always spoken out loud.
The writing itself is lyrical without being heavy and I found myself rereading certain passages because they were so thoughtful and true. There’s also this underlying theme about the past, how we carry it, how it shapes us, that really resonated with me.
This isn’t a fast-paced novel, but it’s not meant to be. It is a story you sit with, reflect on and feel. By the end, I realized it’s not just about August, it’s about all of us and the things we choose to hold onto.
Highly recommend if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories that actually mean something.
August: We carry what we bury
June 2, 2026
Have you ever read a story that settles deep into your soul and refuses to leave? 😭✨ I just turned the final page of *August* by Ian Hanes, and I am sitting here in absolute silence, completely blown away. Set in the quiet, shrinking prairie town of Lebanon, Kansas—the exact geographic center of America—this beautifully haunting novel is narrated by Rose, a young Black girl whose life was tragically cut short in the 1970s. From the afterlife, she watches over August, the boy she loved, as he carries the weight of her memory through the decades, eventually raising a son of his own named John.
Hanes’s writing style is pure poetry. He blends a deeply emotional coming-of-age story with rich historical reflections on everything from ancient Phoenician cities to the political rivalries of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It’s a book about legacy, the endurance of love, and how we carry what we bury. Watching August navigate his grief with such quiet dignity broke my heart and mended it all at once. 🌾❤️
If I have one tiny critique, it’s that the historical digressions can occasionally slow down the pacing of the central plot, but they add such a unique, atmospheric depth that it’s hard to be mad at them!
This is an absolute masterpiece that explores the invisible threads connecting us all.
Hanes’s writing style is pure poetry. He blends a deeply emotional coming-of-age story with rich historical reflections on everything from ancient Phoenician cities to the political rivalries of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It’s a book about legacy, the endurance of love, and how we carry what we bury. Watching August navigate his grief with such quiet dignity broke my heart and mended it all at once. 🌾❤️
If I have one tiny critique, it’s that the historical digressions can occasionally slow down the pacing of the central plot, but they add such a unique, atmospheric depth that it’s hard to be mad at them!
This is an absolute masterpiece that explores the invisible threads connecting us all.
July 13, 2026
This book surprised me in the best possible way.
August: We Carry What We Bury reads like a blend of literary fiction and quiet philosophy. It is not just telling a story, it’s exploring ideas about memory, responsibility and what it really means to live a meaningful life.
August is the kind of character you don’t often see anymore. He’s not flashy or dramatic, but there’s a quiet strength to him that makes you pay attention. His journey, especially as he raises John, is handled with such subtlety and care. Nothing feels exaggerated and that’s exactly why it works.
I also appreciated how the author weaves in reflections on history, nature and even broader societal moments without ever losing the emotional core of the story. It adds depth without feeling pretentious.
The pacing might not be for everyone; it is definitely more reflective than action-driven but if you enjoy books that make you think and feel at the same time, this is absolutely worth your time.
By the final chapters, I found myself genuinely moved. It’s the kind of book that lingers after you finish it, making you reflect on your own life and the things you carry.
A beautifully written and meaningful read.
August: We carry what we bury
August: We Carry What We Bury reads like a blend of literary fiction and quiet philosophy. It is not just telling a story, it’s exploring ideas about memory, responsibility and what it really means to live a meaningful life.
August is the kind of character you don’t often see anymore. He’s not flashy or dramatic, but there’s a quiet strength to him that makes you pay attention. His journey, especially as he raises John, is handled with such subtlety and care. Nothing feels exaggerated and that’s exactly why it works.
I also appreciated how the author weaves in reflections on history, nature and even broader societal moments without ever losing the emotional core of the story. It adds depth without feeling pretentious.
The pacing might not be for everyone; it is definitely more reflective than action-driven but if you enjoy books that make you think and feel at the same time, this is absolutely worth your time.
By the final chapters, I found myself genuinely moved. It’s the kind of book that lingers after you finish it, making you reflect on your own life and the things you carry.
A beautifully written and meaningful read.
August: We carry what we bury
August 1, 2026
As someone who loves emotionally rich literary fiction, August: We Carry What We Bury by Ian Hanes completely captured my heart. 💛 From the very first chapter, I felt as though I was quietly walking beside these characters, carrying their grief, hope, and unspoken love. This isn't a fast-paced novel, but rather one that invites you to slow down and truly feel every moment.
What touched me most was how beautifully the story explores loss without ever becoming overwhelming. Rose's presence lingers so tenderly throughout the novel, reminding us that love doesn't simply disappear with death. August's quiet devotion, John's innocence, and Layla's journey through war, displacement, and healing create a deeply moving tapestry of human resilience.
Ian Hanes writes with remarkable sensitivity, weaving together lives across continents in a way that feels both intimate and profound. Every chapter left me reflecting on the invisible connections we share and the memories we carry within us.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and incredibly beautiful, it's a story I won't forget. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven fiction. 📖✨
.
What touched me most was how beautifully the story explores loss without ever becoming overwhelming. Rose's presence lingers so tenderly throughout the novel, reminding us that love doesn't simply disappear with death. August's quiet devotion, John's innocence, and Layla's journey through war, displacement, and healing create a deeply moving tapestry of human resilience.
Ian Hanes writes with remarkable sensitivity, weaving together lives across continents in a way that feels both intimate and profound. Every chapter left me reflecting on the invisible connections we share and the memories we carry within us.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and incredibly beautiful, it's a story I won't forget. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven fiction. 📖✨
.
July 31, 2026
I am first and foremost attracted to a book by a cover. Aren't we all influenced initially by what we see? The cover colour of August/Autumn made me want to open the book and the sonnet by the bard with the depth it conjures up drew me forward and me wonder - who was Greta? Why was this her favourite poem. It was through evoking start to chapter 1.
Rose Carter, the young dead black girl who is the narrator moves with ease through this thoughtful, beautifully written descriptive story that links the here and now with things which have passed.
It crossed boundaries of love, culture, hatred, grief, solitude, Deep happiness and reflection. They why, what and when of everyday life is bound by and invisible thread and forces us to examine our lives. Are we who we think we are? How do others se us? We have all experienced the deep feelings in this debut novel. Its expressive and examines parts of each of us we maybe loathe to recognise.
We warmth and heartbreak of life in a nutshell. An amazing book!
Rose Carter, the young dead black girl who is the narrator moves with ease through this thoughtful, beautifully written descriptive story that links the here and now with things which have passed.
It crossed boundaries of love, culture, hatred, grief, solitude, Deep happiness and reflection. They why, what and when of everyday life is bound by and invisible thread and forces us to examine our lives. Are we who we think we are? How do others se us? We have all experienced the deep feelings in this debut novel. Its expressive and examines parts of each of us we maybe loathe to recognise.
We warmth and heartbreak of life in a nutshell. An amazing book!
June 30, 2026
Main Themes of this book are Love, separation, grief, and the journey of human memories.A Black girl named Rose Carter has died, yet her soul remains alive in the afterlife. From there, she keeps an eye on her loved ones. August Harper, the story's main character, is a former up-and-coming basketball player. His life is completely shattered following the untimely death of Rose. This story is not just about August but through the character of 'Layla,' who witnessed the 2020 Beirut Port explosion.This shows emotional connection diverse locations ranging from Baghdad to Kansas. In short, while the love story of August and Rose portrays heartbreak and the Beirut explosion reveals human suffering on a global level.The most important message that this novel gives us is that “Death may put an end to a person, but the love and their legacy never die”.
July 24, 2026
August: We Carry What We Bury is a deeply moving story that explores grief, love, healing, and the invisible burdens we carry throughout our lives. The premise immediately stood out to me because it approaches loss from a unique perspective, allowing Rose's voice to remain present even after her death.
What makes this story especially compelling is how it weaves together different lives and cultures—from rural Kansas to Beirut and Baghdad—showing that pain, resilience, and hope are universal experiences. August's quiet journey through grief, his unexpected role as a father, and Layla's struggle to rebuild after unimaginable hardship promise a novel filled with emotional depth and humanity.
If you enjoy character-driven literary fiction that explores family, identity, loss, and redemption with sensitivity, this book is well worth adding to your reading list.
What makes this story especially compelling is how it weaves together different lives and cultures—from rural Kansas to Beirut and Baghdad—showing that pain, resilience, and hope are universal experiences. August's quiet journey through grief, his unexpected role as a father, and Layla's struggle to rebuild after unimaginable hardship promise a novel filled with emotional depth and humanity.
If you enjoy character-driven literary fiction that explores family, identity, loss, and redemption with sensitivity, this book is well worth adding to your reading list.
August 3, 2026
August Harper is a basketball star in 1977 Kansas, dreaming of a scholarship and a future with Rose, his secret girlfriend. But when Rose dies tragically on the night of his championship, his greatest victory becomes his deepest loss. Hanes captures the painful clash between public triumph and private grief.
Instead of moving forward, August buries his sorrow. He rejects opportunities, stays on the farm, and lives with the shadow of Rose’s memory. His silence shapes his son John’s life too, showing how grief can echo across generations. The novel explores how unspoken pain becomes part of family legacy.
Instead of moving forward, August buries his sorrow. He rejects opportunities, stays on the farm, and lives with the shadow of Rose’s memory. His silence shapes his son John’s life too, showing how grief can echo across generations. The novel explores how unspoken pain becomes part of family legacy.
August 1, 2026
This is the kind of novel that doesn't rely on constant action to leave an impression. Instead, it draws you in through authentic characters, heartfelt relationships, and the emotional weight of the choices they make. The story explores how grief, love, and memory shape people across different cultures and generations, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, hope can still find a way through. It's beautifully written, emotionally honest, and a memorable read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction with real depth.
August 1, 2026
What impressed me most was how naturally the story explores family, memory, and resilience without becoming overly sentimental. Every character carries invisible burdens, yet the novel never loses sight of hope. Rose's perspective adds warmth and tenderness, making the story feel both intimate and expansive. The ending left me reflecting on the people we love and the marks they leave on our lives.
August 1, 2026
This novel is less about dramatic twists and more about the quiet weight of love and loss. The way it connects lives across different countries and generations makes every chapter feel meaningful. Rose's presence gives the story a unique emotional depth, reminding us that the people we lose often continue shaping our lives in unseen ways. It's a beautifully reflective novel that rewards patient readers.
August 1, 2026
The novel handles difficult subjects with compassion and grace, balancing heartbreak with moments of tenderness and hope. I appreciated how it shows that grief isn't something to overcome quickly but something we learn to carry. The multiple perspectives create a broader understanding of love, family, and survival, making the story feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. This is the kind of book that stays in your thoughts long after the final page.
August 1, 2026
This is a character driven novel that takes its time, allowing relationships and emotions to develop naturally. The contrast between peaceful rural Kansas and the realities of war and displacement in the Middle East adds depth without overshadowing the personal stories. Readers who appreciate literary fiction with rich themes and emotional honesty will find a great deal to admire here.
August 1, 2026
The characters feel genuine, each carrying their own pain while searching for hope and belonging. August's journey is especially moving, showing how grief can isolate us but also teach us compassion. The transitions between Kansas, Baghdad, and Beirut never feel disconnected because they're united by the universal experience of loss. It's a quiet book, but one with a powerful emotional impact.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews