Burial Rites author Kent crafts a poetic coming of age story, a meditation on nature and religion, and a sweeping setting in her latest novel based on the historical emigration of German Lutherans to Austalia. Fifteen year old Hanne loves nothing more than exploring the Prussian wilderness with her friends, but her world is upended when her family is forced to flee. After years of worshiping in secret, her Old Lutheran community finds new life in Australia, where they can openly follow their religious traditions. While her village rejoices, Hanne and her dearest friend experience tensions on the long journey away from home. Told in exquisite prose, this quiet novel weaves a touch of magical realism into a tale of freedom and friendship.

Set in 1829 Iceland, Agnes is accused of murder and sent to live with a family on an isolated farm while she waits to be executed. At first, only the priest tries to understand her but the farmers eventually question whether there’s another side of the story. A haunting and atmospheric character-driven tale.