'Prussia, 1836
'Hanne Nussbaum is a child of nature — she would rather run wild in the forest than conform to the limitations of womanhood. In her village of Kay, Hanne is friendless and considered an oddity...until she meets Thea.
'Ocean, 1838
'The Nussbaums are Old Lutherans, bound by God's law and at odds with their King's order for reform. Forced to flee religious persecution the families of Kay board a crowded, disease-riddled ship bound for the new colony of South Australia. In the face of brutal hardship, the beauty of whale song enters Hanne's heart, along with the miracle of her love for Thea. Theirs is a bond that nothing can break.
'The whale passed. The music faded.
'South Australia, 1838
'A new start in an old land. God, society and nature itself decree Hanne and Thea cannot be together. But within the impossible ... is devotion.
'This long-awaited novel demonstrates Hannah Kent's sublime ability with language that creates an immersive, transformative experience for the reader. Devotion is a book to savour.' (Publication summary)
'Johanne Nussbaum is a lonely and impetuous fourteen-year-old living in Kay, Prussia. She is the daughter of devout Old Lutherans who, persecuted by the king, are applying to relocate. Hanne's true allegiance, however, is not to religious doctrine but to nature. In nature, Hanne finds God. Her senses become exalted, synesthetic. Hanne can hear "the high-pitch of swarming sunlight in an open field" and the falling snow, "like chimes" (47). Stars emit a "single note of longing" (111). Though often effective, this language of ecstasy is, at times, laid on too thickly: "The song flooded my mouth, it cracked knuckles, and the feel of it was gratifying and soul-deep" (254). There are so many lush descriptions that I found myself wishing for fewer—both for contrast and for increased potency.' (Introduction)
Book It In : Hannah Kent
Zoya Patel
(presenter),
2022
25159507
2022
single work
podcast
'Hannah Kent’s novel, Devotion, is a queer love story that is set in a pious, nineteenth century religious community. In resisting the narrative of shame that has dominated the retelling of this time in history, Kent is challenging the way authors represent the past.'
Source: Book It In.
'I read a lot of books in my job. And over the last several years, I've noticed an intriguing trend. Trees are popping up everywhere.'
Hannah Kent in Conversation
Mark Rubbo
(presenter),
2022
24383420
2022
single work
podcast
'Hannah Kent in conversation with Mark Rubbo about her latest novel, Devotion.'
'The Bible verse 4:18 from Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians has many translations, but one phrase remains constant: “… for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal”. These words reassure the stricken that while God and the promised glories of heaven may be unseen, he is eternal as a wellspring of hope or guidance.' (Introduction)
'I came across Hannah Kent some years ago, hearing from colleagues at another university that she was a particularly impressive student, and I should stay alert for what she might deliver. Not long after, Burial Rites (2013) – a fictional account of the last public execution in Iceland in 1830 – appeared, to popular and critical reception.' (Introduction)
Hannah Kent in Conversation
Mark Rubbo
(presenter),
2022
24383420
2022
single work
podcast
'Hannah Kent in conversation with Mark Rubbo about her latest novel, Devotion.'
'I read a lot of books in my job. And over the last several years, I've noticed an intriguing trend. Trees are popping up everywhere.'
Book It In : Hannah Kent
Zoya Patel
(presenter),
2022
25159507
2022
single work
podcast
'Hannah Kent’s novel, Devotion, is a queer love story that is set in a pious, nineteenth century religious community. In resisting the narrative of shame that has dominated the retelling of this time in history, Kent is challenging the way authors represent the past.'
Source: Book It In.
