The Good People

By Hannah Kent,

Book cover of The Good People

Book description

From the author of Burial Rites, "a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller that takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy" (Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train and Into the Water).

Based on true events in nineteenth century Ireland,…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Good People as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Though Kent’s first novel, Burial Rites, was an absolute triumph, The Good People broke me in ways I am still discovering.

Based on a true story in Ireland, this book places a child at the center, surrounded by superstition and fear. He doesn’t speak or walk, which makes some folks believe he is a changeling. But the women who protect him demonstrate immense empathy as they try to navigate this world plucked out of a Grimm fairy tale.

Reading this book made me more deeply understand the power of kindness.

From Katrina's list on changeling lore.

Want books like The Good People?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 83 books like The Good People.

Browse books like The Good People

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in changelings, superstitions, and Ireland?

Changelings 18 books
Superstitions 21 books
Ireland 303 books