Hannah Kent
Hannah’s book ‘Devotion’ takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from Prussia to South Australia– I am still reeling from its power. The story of the ‘Old Lutherans’ coming on the ship to SA, and all the issues they experienced reminded me of Robert Charles Ferdinand Jaensch, my husband’s great great grandfather who left Prussia in 1843 for a farming colony in NZ.
Robert Charles Jaensch had a story that was different to the families in Hannah’s book, nevertheless full of the persistence and courage faced by the early migrants. Australia has a long history of immigrant stories and writers like Hannah give a voice to much of our history.
I also loved the constant references to nature and the existence of the ghosts of the people we have loved swirling around us invisibly supporting and guiding.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history and has read any of Hannah’s other books. Hannah has also written ‘The Good People’ about a community in County Kerry and ‘Burial Rites’ which is set in Iceland.
‘Devotion’ was published by Pan Macmillan Australia October 26, 2021.