Australian author Hannah Kent is well known for conducting extensive research to infuse her novels with authenticity as she writes about distant lands and historical settings. For her latest novel Devotion (2021), she transports readers to Prussia in the 1830s where we immerse ourselves in a Lutheran community in the village of Kay.
The Lutheran community in Prussia was persecuted under King Frederick William who sought to outlaw many traditions and rites. Pastor August Kavel led an exodus of the 'Old Lutherans' to South Australia where they would settle and form the towns of Klemzig and Hahndorf. Kent uses this history in her novel, as the villagers of Kay plan to depart their home for a new life in an unfamiliar land.
The families board the Kristi to voyage to Australia. Like so many migrants, they face many dangers on their journey to freedom; over cramped quarters, insufficient stores, inclement weather, sickness and disease. When the ship arrives in Adelaide, all aboard have been changed by their travels.
Kent follows these families as they begin to establish their community in a new, harsh land. They encounter the local Peramangk people and those villagers who are open to learning from them discover life-saving skills.
Devotion is a story of love and loss. While readers come to know and care for many characters in this community, it is the the deep, unbreakable, connection between Thea and Hanne and the obstacles they face that form the heart of this the novel. But the story is not predictable and Kent makes some brave choices in how she tells their tale.
As one comes to expect from this author, Devotion is a beautifully written book filled with prose that borders on poetry. Kent describes the natural world in such vibrant and lively prose one cannot help but become engrossed in it. While not my favourite of Kent's novels, it is highly recommended.
My reviews of Hannah Kent's previous novels Burial Rites (2013) and The Good People (2016) are also available on this blog.