Hannah Kent is a highly acclaimed Australian author, best known for her historical fiction, mystery, and fiction novels. She was born in Adelaide, Australia in 1985 and went on to write her debut novel, Burial Rites, in 2013. Burial Rites became an international bestseller and was translated into 28 foreign languages, earning nominations for the Bailey's Women's Award for Fiction and the Guardian Debut Book Award. The novel won several prestigious awards, including the Indie Award, the People's Choice Award by Victorian Premier, and the ABIA Literary Award. It was also shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Prize.
Kent's writing has earned her recognition in the literary world, and her second book, The Good People, was published in 2016 in Australia and New Zealand, and in 2017 in the UK and North America. The novel was shortlisted for several awards, including the Indie Award, the Walter Scott Award, and the ABIA Literary Prize. In addition to her literary contributions, Kent co-founded the Australian literary publication Kill Your Darlings and currently serves as its publishing director. She is also a Patron for World Vision Australia and has written for various publications, including The New York Times, The Saturday Paper, and The Guardian.
Kent's debut novel, Burial Rites, tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, a servant living in northern Iceland who was given the death sentence for murdering two men, one of whom was her employer. Agnes was the last woman in Iceland to receive the death penalty and was eventually executed. Kent's vivid descriptions of Iceland's landscape and cultural practices bring the story to life, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction.
Kent's work has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, and her novels have been translated into over 30 languages. Her original feature film, Run Rabbit Run, is set to be directed by Daina Reid and produced by Carver and XYZ Films. Kent currently lives and works on Peramangk country near Adelaide, Australia, where she continues to contribute to the literary world with her unique storytelling and captivating prose.