I deeply enjoyed this book. While others have mentioned the graphic nature of descriptions, it did not seem jarring or out of place to me, but oddly, part and parcel of the world and characters Kent was showing. Life, death, sickness - all were inescapable parts of life for every one of these people. While not one of my absolute favorite books of all time, Burial Rites drew me in and was written in clear, compelling prose. Highly recommended.