I think you would LOVE the book I just finished reading, The Blackhouse, especially since you have family ties to the Hebrides! It was totally fascinating and brilliantly written.
Yes, Burial Rites certainly packs a punch, doesn't it. Even though I DID know that the execution happened, it was impossible to not hope for a different ending while in the midst of reading the book - your emotions override what you already intellectually know. And you're so right about the "tough existence" in 19th century Iceland! I've lived fairly rough at times; spent a winter in a tiny cabin in northern Minnesota with no electricity, wood heat only, and a hand pump for wash water (drinking water had to be hauled), but at least I didn't have to make my own clothes by hand, hunt and gather and process all my food, and mind a flock of sheep. 
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