The writing was nice and very atmospheric. The book really connects the reader to the characters and to nature. This is a love story at heart and maybe was a little long. But the book is so unique and I can definitely see the right reader really enjoy this one.

Wonderful narrator who kept me engaged when my attention wandered.



As always, Kent's writing is beautiful and atmospheric. She has a knack for choosing vignettes from history that dunk you back into the past and make you live and breathe with her characters. But I never really clicked here. I guess a connection with nature is a very personal thing but to me - someone who does have that deep. spiritual connection with nature - Hanne's own connection felt shallow and not very well defined. The friendship between the two girls was interesting but again, I never felt it went deep. It was just something that happened. I'm fine with magical realism as long as it adds to the story. Here it felt as if all the wires hadn't been connected before switching on the set. So this was alright but definitely not the author's best work.

This story is told from the point of view of Hanne’s: a 15-year old, awkward nature lover with no friends. She has a twin brother and very austere and religious parents.

Then, a new family moves into the village and they have a daughter of similar age to Hanne’s. She is called Thea and the two of them quickly become inseparable. Hanne is stunned how Thea’s parents are very affectionate towards their daughter and each other.

Hanne’s family are of old Lutheran faith, which at that point in Prussia meant they couldn’t worship freely and felt they were oppressed. At that time, many old Lutheran groups were set on emigrating and Hanne’s and Thea’s family have the chance to emigrate.

The second part of the story tells the treacherous journey to Australia: the cramped, unsanitary living conditions on the ship, and the disease it brings.

I was truly gobsmacked when I discovered the girls’ fate. I finished this audiobook few days ago, but I keep on thinking about it, mulling over the storyline.

Hanne’s devotion to Thea was unimaginable. The girls didn’t really understand what pulled them together, but they knew they needed each other.

The writing of this book was sublime, lyrical, almost poetic. I enjoyed the setting of the story and as a history buff, I appreciated all the details about the old Lutheran groups. It was beautifully narrated by Emily Wheaton, who has the most gorgeous voice I’ve ever heard – I fell in love with the voice.

This was the first book by this author, but it won’t be my last!

Thank you to Picador Books for approving my NetGalley request to listen and review this title.

Devotion by Hannah Kent was published last February. I recently received an audio copy from #Netgalley, which I was delighted about as I loved Burial Rites, by the same author.

Set in Prussia in 1836, we meet fifteen year old Hanne. She lives with her strict and religious parents and brother and feels like a local outcast as she has no friends and struggles to fit in with other girls her age.

That is, until she meets Thea; a kindred spirit who has just arrived in the small town with her family. They are both at one with nature and understand each other implicitly. Soon they become inseparable.

Kent is a beautiful writer; her prose is lyrical and mesmerising. Here’s an excerpt from when the two girls first meet;
“She was an apparition. Walking between hazy columns of trees, her outline becoming clearer as she walked. It seemed, for one small moment that we were under water. I saw her, through the cloud of my own breath, and held it, the better to see her. She looked up. And seeing me watching her, stopped. I exhaled. The air hung with water as we watched each other.”

Gorgeous.

I loved the first half of this book but after that it moved in an unexpected direction, that I didn’t completely warm to. I can’t say much more without spoiling it but I felt quite sad at that turn in the storyline and for me, it made it feel like I was reading two different books.

That said, this is an atmospheric book about a time in history I’m not overly familiar with, so I found it both interesting and at times, soothing to read; she’s just such a wonderful writer and this was clearly well researched.

The audio of this was wonderful too, loved the narrator.

With thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to read #Devotion.

In 1883 Prussia, members of the Old Lutheran church gather to secretly worship in a country where their religion has been banned. But a voyage to Australia offers the community a chance to live and pray freely - even if the journey has fatal consequences…

While this wasn’t the kind of book I normally dive into (both literary and with a focus on religious history), I was already a hardcore fan of Hannah Kent from reading Burial Rites (highly recommended) and looked forward to this intriguing tale. While the story had the gorgeous writing and almost mesmerising storytelling that Hannah seems to effortlessly produce, this book didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Something I always struggle with is when any story takes an unexpected supernatural turn, I just feel blindsided by a ghostly twist and prefer to know if paranormal elements are going to be included in the story from the start - rather than being surprised by it later. The story was already a slow burn, but the supernatural development wrong-footed me and I couldn’t get back on board with the rest of the book as a result. The narrator read clearly and well, although a little slowly (I listened at speed 1.5 throughout). While this book wasn’t right for me, I’d still try another Hannah Kent book - as Burial Rites was too good not to give this author another go.
Huge thanks to the author, Hannah Kent, and publisher, Macmillan, for this advance review copy. Views my own. 3*

This is very much a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the slow and elegant developments in the first half. The descriptions are haunting and there’s a spellbinding quality to the narration. The friendship between the two girls was unlikely given their wildly different backgrounds, but it’s well described and there’s much food for thought.

Then, for me, the book totally lost the plot and became an entirely different read. I replayed a couple of times wondering if there was an editing error, but no, it’s just that the story explored a totally different theme. I struggled and eventually gave up on finishing the book because I wasn’t enjoying the different direction. It’s well written, but it jars with the first half. Overall, the first part is excellent, even though there are some harrowing bits. Based on that, a 5* read. But I couldn’t engage with the rest to make the whole and for that reason it’s only two stars, despite the lyrical writing.

This is a beautifully written and haunting drama. The narration from the start was a little tentative, feeling its way into a story that was built on relationships between the characters and their faiths and beliefs. It was never easy to listen to - persecution for their faith and discord within their close knit community, difficult decisions to leave for a distant land that might prove more welcoming. The long harrowing sea journey was never going to be a bundle of laughs but I was taken by surprise and quite annoyed by the direction that the narrative took. I cannot blame the narrator who maintained a steady and convincing voice for Hanne and fully captured the atmospheric and spellbinding writing but it took a while to adjust to the departure from historical reality that occurred just over halfway through. It took a while to adjust but I wanted to see the community reach a safe haven and the remainder of the story saw the establishment of a new settlement and reunion with their pastor. However the spiritual aspect to the story did not appeal and the ending drifted, predictable and a little unsatisfactory.
The narrator was very good, encompassing a range of male and female voices and emotions with skill and was sympathetic to changes of mood. The insertion of short piano bursts between sections seemed out of place - interrupting the narrative rather than marking a passage of time especially as the narration included short periods of silence which would have done the job just as well.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen.

Hannah Kent writes a beautiful story, and while fiction, she has meticulously researched the history and past that the story alludes to. I was kindly gifted this book as an audiobook and the narration was stunning. While the descriptions and prose were utterly engaging, I was disappointed with the turn of events around half way through the middle section of the book for the main character. I felt that this direction prevented the story from having even more of an impact.
What I love about the author’s writing is the lasting effect each of her books have on me.

Beautifully written and evocative. Just stunning descriptions and fully developed characters, set in a time and place that I'm not used to reading about so it was really lovely to be exported elsewhere.

I think the writing is absolutely beautiful, but the (mis)pronounciation of the German names is so distracting that I would much rather have read it instead...the audiobook needs some work.

First of all I want to salute the writing as it worked very well in audiobook format and never lost me despite being rich.

This book was suggested to me when I asked for historical sapphic books set in the past pre-20th century and outside of England . And this was indeed what the first galf of the book gave me. For once we were following the life of farmers and not royalty and the religious struggles of the past.

And then book just went into a weird direction. I am still looking for the storytelling goal of that one. No i don't care about a ghost and the mysticism of it all.

I am a big fan of this author having read all 3 of her novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I'm not usually an audiobook listener but I every now and then I find a narrator that I really enjoy listening to and this was one of those times. I love that again the story is about an 'outsider' woman. The relationship between the main characters is beautiful and feels real. The writing is very atmospheric. I would recommend this audiobook version.

I usually love Hannah Kent's novels and was rather excited for this one, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Kent's writing style is beautiful as always, but I struggled to immerse myself in the story and the plot twist after half of it ruined it for me. The novel changes to magical realism and I didn't think that it did the story justice. I would have loved to hear more about the struggles and the relationships, but we don't get this.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was done beautifully though.

SPOILER: Hanne and Thea deserved their happy end and I'm disappointed how this was handled. It also felt weird to me to mention the struggles of the indigenous people only in an afterword.

We follow our main character, Hanne, a young girl from a persecuted Old Lutheran community in Prussia in the year 1836. She is someone who loves to hang around nature, hearing birdsong and feeling at one with the world around her. She then meets a young girl, Thea, who matches her peaceful, nature-loving energy. When the Old Lutheran community get given passage to Australia to rebuild their lives in a place free to practice their religion, the experiences they have will shape their relationship permanently.

The writing was lyrical and I felt truly connected to nature in the same way Hanne was, with little details of beauty and simplicity were elevated. The vibes were immaculate and this is definitely one to read on a cold winter's day.

This book is one that I have been mulling over reviewing for a few days now. At the 70% mark, this book goes from a historical fiction, unique friendship/LGBT+ book to one of magical realism which was both unexpected and kind of disappointing in one sense. I feel the story lost its momentum at this point and the few plot points that had developed weren't all resolved to my satisfaction. That said, the ending was beautiful and I do think it rescued it quite well. I would still recommend it despite this shift in genre, but I personally think people ought to know going into this book that this occurs.

I listened to this book in audiobook format and I have to say this felt like the best approach to it. The writing is so beautiful and the word choice so apt that listening to it narrated really sucked you into the world and made it all the better. I have to congratulate the narrator for her pacing and tone as well, as I feel it captured the vibe of the book really well.

I received a ARC of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.

This is just a beautiful audiobook. I adored Burial Rites and so I was so looking forward to listening to this audiobook. This is a story of two young Lutheran women in 1836 in Prussia. The Lutheran families have to practice their religion in secret but are given the chance to go to South Australia to be settle and to be free to practice their religion with out any fears but they have to make the long journey to get there. Ultimately this book is about the young girls bond- it is a love story and a story of survival. I soaked up every moment of this beautiful tale especially with Emily Wheaton narration which was ethereal and beautiful. When Hannah Kent writes she pulls you in and makes you feel like you are there. Anything she writes I will read. My thanks to Macmillan Audio Uk and Netgalley.

I loved Burial Rites by Hannah Kent so had to give this one a go and I think I loved it more! It’s historical fiction with a twist and I really enjoyed it. We follow a young woman/teen who are in Prussia experiencing persecution and waiting to begin a long journey to a better life in Australia . Our main character is Hanne who lives with her family but feels alone. One day a new family join their community and she finds a kindred spirit in Theo. We follow their journey to their new land and the book explores themes of love, family , religion and a lot more . I really loved this book

This beautiful book will stay with me for a long time I think.

Set in Prussia in 1836, Devotion follows Hanne, a young girl approaching womanhood in a strict Lutheran community. Facing persecution their families are desperately looking for escape to somewhere where they can worship in freedom. Hanne is different to the other girls her age and only her twin brother understands her. Until one day she meets a family who have joined their community and their daughter Thea and they form an instant bond. As outsiders they are viewed with suspicion by some and Thea’s mother’s gifts as a healer are seen by some as witchcraft. Finally granted safe passage to Australia it looks like the girls will be separated and they begin to realise how much they feel for each other. The six month journey is harrowing and filled with heartbreak before the destination is even reached.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was stunned by the lyricism of her writing. Her descriptions are poetic and the emotion is tangible.

An incredible book of friendship and the unbreakable bonds that love can forge. It’s not often an audiobook brings me to tears but this one has my whole heart. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author.

The narrator was perfect and I often forgot I was listening to a book as I felt like I was right there experiencing everything alongside Hanne and Thea.

5 Stars - Audiobook provided by NetGalley

This book is phenomenal and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. The prose is stunning you want to devour every word. I normally listen to my audiobooks at 2x speed but I slowed had to slow it down so I could fully absorb every word.
The story isn’t something I thought I would be interested in but Hanne is a great character to follow who you can’t help but love and understand.
The magical realism twist to the story was a welcome surprise that worked so well with the tone of the story.
This is a melancholic love story that is breathtakingly beautiful and emotional that I recommend for people who like Erin Morgernstern and ‘The Winter Garden’ by Alexandra Bell.
The audiobook narrator had a brilliant pace and voice for the characters. Hearing the different languages pronounced elevated my reading experience. I highly recommend reading the book via audio.

Devotion is the third novel by best-selling award-winning Australian author, Hannah Kent. The audio version is narrated by Emily Wheaton. Hanne Nussbaum is almost fifteen when the Eichenwald family join their Old Lutheran community in the Prussian village of Kay. Hanne is friendless, connecting better with the sky and the trees, the river and the stars, than people, her twin brother Matthias the only one who understands her even a bit.

“Even as a young child I had felt that girls forsook on whim and offered only inconstant friendship. Allegiances seemed to shift from day to day like sandbanks in a riverbed and, inevitably, I found myself run aground. Better to befriend a blanket of moss, the slip-quick of fish dart. Never was the love I poured into the river refused.”

But Anna Maria Eichenwald seems to see her, to understand her instantly. When Hanne encounters Anna Maria’s daughter, Thea for the first time in her beloved forest, there’s none of the scorn the other village girls aim at her. Instead, Thea offers acceptance and interest. They quickly become close, trying to be together at every opportunity.

Their community, having rejected the King’s union of the Protestant Churches, has to worship in secret; their pastor has fled, their church, bell removed, is locked by soldiers. The chance to leave, to emigrate to another land, a place where they will not be persecuted, is welcomed by the elders, but Hanne fears it will tear her from Thea: will the Eichenwalds join them?

After an emotional leave-taking, a tiring journey to the port and delays, some two hundred souls finally cram into a ship with eighty berths for a six-month journey to South Australia. Crowded together, with less than optimum nutrition and water from tainted barrels, illness inevitably strikes, and a reduced number arrives at their longed-for paradise, the place they will build, Heiligendorf, their joy tempered by grief.

Years later Hanne shares what she saw, heard, took part in: “I have described what has happened to me, and what I felt, and what I continue to feel. Gathered up and thrown on the wind to be wound on the air. To stir leaves and gutter candles and fill the sails of ships. I am unthreaded of it. I am the empty eye of the needle.”

Once again, Kent gives the reader a masterpiece, a tale of love and grief and steadfastness. She describes a community persecuted for their beliefs, but who, when free to follow those beliefs, display less tolerance than might be hoped. The depth of her research into so many aspects of the lives of such a community is apparent on every page. Emotions are expertly rendered.

Her prose is often exquisite, poetic: “The wings drew closer, beating against the sky. Rippling it. Cut the light with feathered knives” and “I had felt affirmation in my bones and blood and the wick of my soul had caught flame, had burned bright” and “And the birds, ever here, ever singing, a liturgy to govern the hours towards gods of cry and shriek and call. Kookaburra, magpie, shrike-thrush, wagtail. Currawong, crow, boobook. Scripture may no longer roll off my tongue in smooth certainty, but my mouth is still full of spirit. Holy Writ of living things, each one a prayer against the teeth” are examples.

Hanne’s description of aboriginal dance: “The Peramangk were the first people I ever saw dancing… The music was unlike anything I had heard before. It threaded itself under my skin until I felt sewn through with sound, and then it pulled me to its source… the beauty and urgency of their movement was everything I had imagined dancing might be, their bodies shaped and held by a music that was closer to the sound I heard coming from the earth than any hymn of my homeland.” This is an absolute pleasure to read.