I was thoroughly charmed by this novel. Pleasantly slow paced it has many elements and storylines which steadily and very engagingly unfold and then come together. Central is the unsolved mystery surrounding the heartbreaking tragedy which befell the main character, Violet, early in her life. The book deals with grief and loss in several forms and degrees, but there are also new romances and sources of hope, redemption and renewal.Various storylines and characters span decades and are intertwined as the key characters, places, friendships come together as the narrative progresses and the mystery is unfolded.

There is a nicely observed poetry of everyday life feeling, as Violet moves to become a cemetry keeper after striking up a profound, restorative friendship with the retiring keeper, helping her come to terms with her grief, loss and the failure of her very unhappy, unfulfilling marriage. Her work tending the cemetry brings her into contact and a source of solace to many people dealing with grief and loss of their own. This is a story written with humour, emotional insight, charm in the everyday set against a mystery and painful loss. Quite unusual in having the elements and feel of a crime mystery which is explored and resolved through the various failing relationships, new romances and friendships.