Anna North's new novel sees an ancient body as sacred treasure in 'Bog Queen'

The two women at the center of Anna North’s new novel, “Bog Queen,” are separated by time but inexorably bound. One is a druid who lived during the Iron Age. The other is the modern forensic scientist who is called upon to investigate the druid’s perfectly preserved body after it is unearthed from a British bog.

Agnes is drawn to the mystery and even sacredness of her work. Who was this woman, and how is her body still telling her story?

But it is, as we say today, complicated. Should ancient bodies be poked and prodded for information? Should the land where they have laid for centuries be explored or left undisturbed? And what of the bog itself, with its intricate biosystems of peat and sphagnum moss? Is it, in itself, a living thing that deserves to be heard?

In “Bog Queen,” North gently probes those questions and more. She joins Kerri Miller on this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas to talk about what ancient wisdom offers our contemporary world.

Guest:

• Anna North’s previous novels include “Outlawed” and “America Pacifica.” Her new novel is “Bog Queen.”

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