I can honestly say this is the first book I've ever read that is set in Iceland. Its a stark look at the lives of maids in the mid 1800s of Iceland. The main character is condemned to death for the murder of two men. Told from many different points of view, the author weaves together a narrative that is gripping, dark, and emotional. Well worth the read if you are interested in historical fiction, especially that which is based on a real person and true events.