A review by poorlywordedbookreviews
The Good People by Hannah Kent

3.0

Set in rural Ireland in 1825, this book follows Nora, a recent widow left alone to care for her disabled grandson. Although she hires a maid to help care for the boy, she increasingly struggles to cope as her suspicions rise that the boy suffers from no natural affliction. As the village is struck by bad luck, superstition leads the blame to her door. 

   

A story of grief, poverty, religion and superstition, The Good People explores how difference (physical or mental) was perceived and handled in these impoverished communities. It’s never direct in its commentary, and at times uncomfortable, but is a very human representation of what people can handle, and how world views and behaviours are shaped. 

   

This book is a solid historical fiction book - well written, themes explored woven together believably. But despite having more plot than her previous, Burial Rites, it lacks the descriptive prose and desolate unease that made that a standout read. 
   

And although it never truly gripped me (it’s exploring a place/period/issue I’m well versed in), thats the fault of it being misaligned to me as a reader - so if the premise interests you, I’d heartily recommend