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The Light a Candle Society
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle
George McGlory - recent widower, part-time librarian, pub quiz enthusiast and lover of loud shirts - witnesses a public health funeral and is deeply moved by the sight of the lonely coffin with no flowers and no mourners in attendance.
He joins forces with Elena, a florist, Edwin, an undertaker, Sid, the owner of a bric-a-brac and second-hand furniture emporium, and Roxy his library colleague to form The Light a Candle Society and banish lonely funerals for good.
As they honour the dead together, George reflects on his own life and the rifts within his family. Can he find the courage and humility to face the demons of his past and repair his broken relationships before it's too late?
George McGlory - recent widower, part-time librarian, pub quiz enthusiast and lover of loud shirts - witnesses a public health funeral and is deeply moved by the sight of the lonely coffin with no flowers and no mourners in attendance.
He joins forces with Elena, a florist, Edwin, an undertaker, Sid, the owner of a bric-a-brac and second-hand furniture emporium, and Roxy his library colleague to form The Light a Candle Society and banish lonely funerals for good.
As they honour the dead together, George reflects on his own life and the rifts within his family. Can he find the courage and humility to face the demons of his past and repair his broken relationships before it's too late?
365 pages, Hardcover
Published June 5, 2025
101 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hogan
10 books2,782 followersI was born in the house where my parents still live in Bedford: my sister was so pleased to have a sibling that she threw a thrupenny bit at me. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on: The Moomintrolls, A Hundred Million Francs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the back of cereal packets and gravestones. I was mad about dogs and horses, but didn't like daddy-long-legs or sugar in my tea.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 26, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
3.75 🌟 rounded up.
What a beautiful story. The Light A Candle society are born when George sees a public health funeral taking place while he’s laying flowers at his wife’s Grace. Moved and distressed at the idea of anyone having nobody to mourn them, George quickly sets about finding out how he can make a difference, the difference that comes about is remarkable.
Along the way we gather a fabulous host of memorable characters from members of the society to the deceased themselves, everyone gets their turn. Captain succeeded in finally bringing me to tears. Overall the story is poignant, moving and upsetting but above all it’s hopeful and human.
The audio narration was lovely.
Huge thanks to WF Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
3.75 🌟 rounded up.
What a beautiful story. The Light A Candle society are born when George sees a public health funeral taking place while he’s laying flowers at his wife’s Grace. Moved and distressed at the idea of anyone having nobody to mourn them, George quickly sets about finding out how he can make a difference, the difference that comes about is remarkable.
Along the way we gather a fabulous host of memorable characters from members of the society to the deceased themselves, everyone gets their turn. Captain succeeded in finally bringing me to tears. Overall the story is poignant, moving and upsetting but above all it’s hopeful and human.
The audio narration was lovely.
Huge thanks to WF Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 17, 2025
I’m delighted to share my review of this wonderful book. While tending his late wife’s grave, George is moved and troubled to see a funeral taking place with no-one in attendance. On further investigation, he discovers that it was what is called a public health funeral. These take place when someone dies with no known relatives, or when relatives are unable or unwilling to organise a funeral.
Determined that everyone deserves a proper, dignified send-off, George begins what becomes known as the Light a Candle Society. Gradually more people become involved and as they do, we find out their stories and reasons for wanting to help out. Some of the society, including George himself, have some secrets which they then confront over the course of the novel.
Throughout the book, there are touching chapters where we meet the people who end up having the public health funerals the Light a Candle Society attend. We see what their earlier lives had been like and get a glimpse into how they ended up dying alone. Quite often, these people had lived perfectly normal lives and it made me think about how easy it can be for people to fall through the cracks. Although, as George discovers, there is almost always someone who has a connection to the person, or has some information which can be used to build up a picture of someone’s life and can help them have a decent funeral. It’s so true that ordinary people have interesting stories waiting to be uncovered, that ‘every life is a story of some sort’.
I read most of this over the course of a very wet Saturday but to be honest, I think it’s a book I wouldn’t have been able to put down anyway. I was completely caught up in the lives of the wonderful characters the author created and I was also very moved by the stories of the people whose funerals George and his friends attended. George in particular is a character I took to my heart. He was just an ordinary person but he started an extraordinary chain of events. Captain and his dog Sailor were also firm favourites.
I have loved all Ruth Hogan’s books and this is no exception. I can’t recommend The Light a Candle Society enough. It’s a heart-warming, emotional and uplifting and read and one of my favourite books of the year!
Determined that everyone deserves a proper, dignified send-off, George begins what becomes known as the Light a Candle Society. Gradually more people become involved and as they do, we find out their stories and reasons for wanting to help out. Some of the society, including George himself, have some secrets which they then confront over the course of the novel.
Throughout the book, there are touching chapters where we meet the people who end up having the public health funerals the Light a Candle Society attend. We see what their earlier lives had been like and get a glimpse into how they ended up dying alone. Quite often, these people had lived perfectly normal lives and it made me think about how easy it can be for people to fall through the cracks. Although, as George discovers, there is almost always someone who has a connection to the person, or has some information which can be used to build up a picture of someone’s life and can help them have a decent funeral. It’s so true that ordinary people have interesting stories waiting to be uncovered, that ‘every life is a story of some sort’.
I read most of this over the course of a very wet Saturday but to be honest, I think it’s a book I wouldn’t have been able to put down anyway. I was completely caught up in the lives of the wonderful characters the author created and I was also very moved by the stories of the people whose funerals George and his friends attended. George in particular is a character I took to my heart. He was just an ordinary person but he started an extraordinary chain of events. Captain and his dog Sailor were also firm favourites.
I have loved all Ruth Hogan’s books and this is no exception. I can’t recommend The Light a Candle Society enough. It’s a heart-warming, emotional and uplifting and read and one of my favourite books of the year!
September 20, 2025
easy going read
July 9, 2025
5⭐️ for this moving story, full of wonderful characters, with at times heartbreaking stories, and a group of people honouring those who passed away on their own, at public health funerals. It had me in tears on more than one occasion and I absolutely loved it 🥰
July 29, 2025
Absolutely adorable audiobook!
This book really struck a chord with me. The thought of people passing away without a funeral or even anyone to mourn them absolutely broke my heart. This book sheds some light on this issue, and writes a heart warming story around it. The narrator was fabulous, I couldn't stop listening.
This book really struck a chord with me. The thought of people passing away without a funeral or even anyone to mourn them absolutely broke my heart. This book sheds some light on this issue, and writes a heart warming story around it. The narrator was fabulous, I couldn't stop listening.
December 2, 2025
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺."
Ruth Hogan strikes a perfect balance between sadness and happiness in The Light A Candle Society. Under the guise of a somber theme, she manages to create an uplifting story showcasing the generosity and strength of human spirit.
Hogan does a remarkable job of weaving in snippets of the deceased characters to give the reader an insight into their lives as well as their last day. The juxtaposition between the glimpse into a happier time of their life and how they came to be alone in their end is a poignant reminder of how drastically life can change.
As for our living ensemble, these characters were all relatable and likeable. George, an ordinary person who started this extraordinary society and chain of compassion, burrowed his way into my heart. They each (George included) have their own internal struggles to confront and find solace and belonging by contributing to this group. It was overwhelmingly heartwarming to watch them go above and beyond honoring the memory of those who had no one else to do so.
The final funeral was bittersweet and moving. Hogan writes with beauty and sensitivity, carrying grace into a sorrowful topic. She and this cast of characters made me believe that maybe the kindness of humanity isn't lost after all --- a reminder I think we can all use a little more of right now.
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."
🎙Mark Elstob is the sole narrator. I really enjoyed his voice and thought he was incredible at evoking the emotions within these characters and story.
✨ Thank you Net Galley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! Pub date: 12•6•2025
Ruth Hogan strikes a perfect balance between sadness and happiness in The Light A Candle Society. Under the guise of a somber theme, she manages to create an uplifting story showcasing the generosity and strength of human spirit.
Hogan does a remarkable job of weaving in snippets of the deceased characters to give the reader an insight into their lives as well as their last day. The juxtaposition between the glimpse into a happier time of their life and how they came to be alone in their end is a poignant reminder of how drastically life can change.
As for our living ensemble, these characters were all relatable and likeable. George, an ordinary person who started this extraordinary society and chain of compassion, burrowed his way into my heart. They each (George included) have their own internal struggles to confront and find solace and belonging by contributing to this group. It was overwhelmingly heartwarming to watch them go above and beyond honoring the memory of those who had no one else to do so.
The final funeral was bittersweet and moving. Hogan writes with beauty and sensitivity, carrying grace into a sorrowful topic. She and this cast of characters made me believe that maybe the kindness of humanity isn't lost after all --- a reminder I think we can all use a little more of right now.
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."
🎙Mark Elstob is the sole narrator. I really enjoyed his voice and thought he was incredible at evoking the emotions within these characters and story.
✨ Thank you Net Galley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! Pub date: 12•6•2025
December 18, 2025
What a delight! Audiobooks with elderly British male protagonists might just be a favorite genre of mine. This one is as charming as The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.
The story is really touching, as a ragtag group of people from all walks of life come together around pub quiz nights and otherwise unattended “public health” funerals where they learn about and honor the lives of people who otherwise might not have been noted or celebrated.
The narrator was great, and the ridiculous way he voiced the female characters added an element of comedy to the story (in a good way). The characters are good and kind and quirky people who blossom with connection. It’s a feel-good book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is really touching, as a ragtag group of people from all walks of life come together around pub quiz nights and otherwise unattended “public health” funerals where they learn about and honor the lives of people who otherwise might not have been noted or celebrated.
The narrator was great, and the ridiculous way he voiced the female characters added an element of comedy to the story (in a good way). The characters are good and kind and quirky people who blossom with connection. It’s a feel-good book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
I listened to the audio for this and it was superb. I must admit I’m a sucker for old age protagonists and this story was full of them 😂
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story of humans going good deeds and kindness and compassion being at the heart of their decisions.
George and his friends form the Light A Candle Society after he sees a hearse with no flowers or mourners pull up at the church as he’s putting flowers on his late wife’s grave. He’s rightly horrified and the society is formed to shine a light on those who were to have public health funerals. Not only do they attend the funerals but they research the deceaseds life and even have a wake.
The author manages to make what is a really sad topic into a lifting and life affirming story of the strength of human spirit. Each story of a deceased persons life felt real and believable.
A fabulous story of the great things we can do when we come together with others.
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story of humans going good deeds and kindness and compassion being at the heart of their decisions.
George and his friends form the Light A Candle Society after he sees a hearse with no flowers or mourners pull up at the church as he’s putting flowers on his late wife’s grave. He’s rightly horrified and the society is formed to shine a light on those who were to have public health funerals. Not only do they attend the funerals but they research the deceaseds life and even have a wake.
The author manages to make what is a really sad topic into a lifting and life affirming story of the strength of human spirit. Each story of a deceased persons life felt real and believable.
A fabulous story of the great things we can do when we come together with others.
December 23, 2025
I have been a fan of Ruth Hogan's work for some time so I was excited to receive an early copy of her newest audiobook.
The Light a Candle Society is a story about a mismatched quirky cast of characters. These are my favorite kind of stories and this story did not disappoint. Yes, at times it was a bit sad because it was all about the funerals of people who had no one to attend. But at the same time, it was about the greatest in humans when we rally together to make the world a better place.
The only reason I didn't give this audiobook 5 stars was I struggled a bit to keep track of all of the characters. I think this might have been because I was listening and not reading.
You won't want to miss on this gem of a story.
I received the copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Light a Candle Society is a story about a mismatched quirky cast of characters. These are my favorite kind of stories and this story did not disappoint. Yes, at times it was a bit sad because it was all about the funerals of people who had no one to attend. But at the same time, it was about the greatest in humans when we rally together to make the world a better place.
The only reason I didn't give this audiobook 5 stars was I struggled a bit to keep track of all of the characters. I think this might have been because I was listening and not reading.
You won't want to miss on this gem of a story.
I received the copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2025
4.5/5
Points for the plot! Loved how the kindness and compassion were the main themes of this book! How they collectively work to bring a group of people together and pave a way to the birth of a society based on organizing funerals for people who don’t have anyone to mourn their death. It just goes on to show that there is a lot of good left in this otherwise dark world which we’ve become accustomed to.
Points for the plot! Loved how the kindness and compassion were the main themes of this book! How they collectively work to bring a group of people together and pave a way to the birth of a society based on organizing funerals for people who don’t have anyone to mourn their death. It just goes on to show that there is a lot of good left in this otherwise dark world which we’ve become accustomed to.
November 25, 2025
Wonderful characters and a touching story with thought-provoking themes
August 19, 2025
A gentle, heartwarming story that was easy to pick up.
June 5, 2025
The Light A Candle Society by Ruth Hogan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book by this author, full of love, life, happiness and friendship. George notices a lone hearse at the crematorium when he is tending his wife’s grave. There begins a tale of public health funerals for people who die with no relatives or friends. This book oozes kindness, emotion and love.
Another great book by this author, full of love, life, happiness and friendship. George notices a lone hearse at the crematorium when he is tending his wife’s grave. There begins a tale of public health funerals for people who die with no relatives or friends. This book oozes kindness, emotion and love.
September 4, 2025
A lovely story of community, found family and honouring the dead.
George witnesses a council led funeral for a person who has died with no relatives and it gets him thinking about how he could make this situation slightly better.
Cue The Light a Candle Society, a group that helps to celebrate the people.
George is a fabulous character, as are all the side characters that you get to know throughout the book. Told in chapters both following the main characters, but also giving sound background to the people that have died too.
I found this really heartwarming despite the many funerals and I would say it's a fabulous uplifting book.
George witnesses a council led funeral for a person who has died with no relatives and it gets him thinking about how he could make this situation slightly better.
Cue The Light a Candle Society, a group that helps to celebrate the people.
George is a fabulous character, as are all the side characters that you get to know throughout the book. Told in chapters both following the main characters, but also giving sound background to the people that have died too.
I found this really heartwarming despite the many funerals and I would say it's a fabulous uplifting book.
July 4, 2025
I read this book in 24 hours. I love this author. The story is heartwarming and galvanising. George Mcglory witnesses a public health funeral, with no one in attendance. He resolutely creates the light a candle society, so each and every life is remembered. In today’s society when more and more people live and die alone, this was a very poignant and beautifully crafted story.
July 31, 2025
I absolutely love Ruth Hogan's books and this did not disappoint. Such a beautiful, well-written story. Loved it.
August 9, 2025
The best Ruth Hogan book since The Keeper of Lost Things. Great individual stories. There's an underlying sadness but lots of hope.
August 29, 2025
Gorgeous & opened up a topic (public health funerals) that I knew nothing about. It makes me want to do more like George McGlory 💙 easy read but very satisfying.
September 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
October 12, 2025
I love this author.... every book is so enjoyable.
This is a mix of inspirational and a touch of sadness.
Truly a awakening.
This is a mix of inspirational and a touch of sadness.
Truly a awakening.
Read
December 8, 2025Such a lovely idea!
September 8, 2025
I love reading Ruth Hogan's books the character development writing and words is beautiful. This book made me get The keeper of lost things feels, I loved the subject matter and the underpinning stories that wove a tapestry of love, hope, and togetherness in this novel.
My favoeitie quotes
"Even the smallest Candle can still shine a light"
"The way we treat our dead is a measure of our own humanity'
"Very little worth having in this life is easy. But if you truly want it, there's usually a way of getting it"
"Because, in the end, all we really have is each other"
My favoeitie quotes
"Even the smallest Candle can still shine a light"
"The way we treat our dead is a measure of our own humanity'
"Very little worth having in this life is easy. But if you truly want it, there's usually a way of getting it"
"Because, in the end, all we really have is each other"
November 29, 2025
I just loved this book. Nothing fancy but lovely characters and the story and themes 🫶🏻
December 10, 2025
This book will break your heart and mend it back together all at once.
George, an older gentlemen who has lost his wife, is tending to her grave one day when he witnesses a lonely funeral. George is bothered by the emptiness of it, the callousness with which a life passes on, and begins to tell others in his life about this woe. He then learns about what happens to unclaimed possessions, and is further distressed as he looks through photographs of strangers in joy who are no longer part of this world. An idea begins to percolate as he meets new friends and witnesses another lonely funeral. He brings people together to share in the life lost, feeling strongly that no one should have to leave this earth without a warm farewell.
This story is heartbreaking in the best way. The story sort of flips between snapshots of the lives who are lost and the main cast as they go about preparing the funerals and getting to know each other as they get to know the deceased. It's an incredibly warm novel filled with a lot of heart.
George is a good man and an incredibly likable main protagonist. He isn't perfect and he has his flaws, but he really does represent the best of us. He's loyal, kind, and stubborn, and an all around lovely character to follow through most of the novel. Roxy is stunning and gorgeous in this story, and her role as secondary protagonist feels earned and solid. She is such a great insight into so many people reaching for community and feeling uncertain in themselves and evolving with experiences.
My favorite characters are Captain and Sailor. They are quiet and beautiful in the way they fit into this narrative, and though the events of his life didn't surprise me, the depth of the meaning in his character left me reeling by the end. He's one to keep an eye on as the story progresses. I urge readers to think about what Captain means to them throughout the novel and as his presence in the story evolves.
What is grief, really? It's pain, but it's also joy tethered to experience. And why does anyone die alone, really? Ruth Hogan is so gentle in her exploration of these questions throughout this novel. We see brief glimpses into very different lives and what led those people to die "alone". What we get is a frank yet kind look into various insights, without fetishizing the pain some people go through in their ends. I truly think this book handled hard topics with grace, and showed struggles without dehumanizing the very real person behind those struggles. Hogan handled the loss and the fallout and the grief with a humility of someone with sincere and deep compassion for other humans that I hope other readers will feel as well.
This is a great book to read if you're battling with a loss in your life, even if that loss wasn't a death. This novel cultivates feelings of warmth, love, and community and may provide a perspective on your loss that you need help seeing. The Light a Candle Society preaches joy and persevering love in the face of loss, and how community can figuratively and literally light a candle on those forgotten.
Great read, I would recommend this to anyone. It may be a mood read for many, and maybe this book needs to find you when you need it, but I really highly recommend this novel. Thank you Ruth Hogan and Netgalley for a copy of this novel.
George, an older gentlemen who has lost his wife, is tending to her grave one day when he witnesses a lonely funeral. George is bothered by the emptiness of it, the callousness with which a life passes on, and begins to tell others in his life about this woe. He then learns about what happens to unclaimed possessions, and is further distressed as he looks through photographs of strangers in joy who are no longer part of this world. An idea begins to percolate as he meets new friends and witnesses another lonely funeral. He brings people together to share in the life lost, feeling strongly that no one should have to leave this earth without a warm farewell.
This story is heartbreaking in the best way. The story sort of flips between snapshots of the lives who are lost and the main cast as they go about preparing the funerals and getting to know each other as they get to know the deceased. It's an incredibly warm novel filled with a lot of heart.
George is a good man and an incredibly likable main protagonist. He isn't perfect and he has his flaws, but he really does represent the best of us. He's loyal, kind, and stubborn, and an all around lovely character to follow through most of the novel. Roxy is stunning and gorgeous in this story, and her role as secondary protagonist feels earned and solid. She is such a great insight into so many people reaching for community and feeling uncertain in themselves and evolving with experiences.
My favorite characters are Captain and Sailor. They are quiet and beautiful in the way they fit into this narrative, and though the events of his life didn't surprise me, the depth of the meaning in his character left me reeling by the end. He's one to keep an eye on as the story progresses. I urge readers to think about what Captain means to them throughout the novel and as his presence in the story evolves.
What is grief, really? It's pain, but it's also joy tethered to experience. And why does anyone die alone, really? Ruth Hogan is so gentle in her exploration of these questions throughout this novel. We see brief glimpses into very different lives and what led those people to die "alone". What we get is a frank yet kind look into various insights, without fetishizing the pain some people go through in their ends. I truly think this book handled hard topics with grace, and showed struggles without dehumanizing the very real person behind those struggles. Hogan handled the loss and the fallout and the grief with a humility of someone with sincere and deep compassion for other humans that I hope other readers will feel as well.
This is a great book to read if you're battling with a loss in your life, even if that loss wasn't a death. This novel cultivates feelings of warmth, love, and community and may provide a perspective on your loss that you need help seeing. The Light a Candle Society preaches joy and persevering love in the face of loss, and how community can figuratively and literally light a candle on those forgotten.
Great read, I would recommend this to anyone. It may be a mood read for many, and maybe this book needs to find you when you need it, but I really highly recommend this novel. Thank you Ruth Hogan and Netgalley for a copy of this novel.
June 11, 2025
Ruth Hogan’s sixth novel further secures her position as the writer of uplifting tales with a cast of interesting and warm-hearted individuals.
The Light a Candle Society starts with a Local Authority funeral, one given to those who have no family. It is a respectful but clinical business. George McGlory witnesses one such funeral when visiting his wife, Audrey’s grave. He is moved that Kathleen Hooley’s funeral was such a lonely affair which ‘touched his heart and left a bruise’. Over time, George garners a disparate group of individuals including Roxy, who works at the local Library with George; Niall, the Local Government employee overseeing the funerals; and Edwin, a funeral director, all pledging to make the barren Local Authority funerals more personal. Additions to the core group include Sid, whose house clearance business provides insights into the lives of the deceased. Items left after the person’s death are described poignantly as ‘someone else’s memories and no-one left to care’. Elena a local florist, provides flowers for each funeral. George becomes the self-styled Death Detective, finding out the backstory of each of those due for cremation in order to ensure that every funeral is personalised.
When a junior local journalist, Bryony, becomes aware of the group. Fed up with reporting on the likes of ‘a pumpkin that looks exactly like Donald Trump’ she helps them to spread the message of what the Light a Candle Society are doing through her journalism and social media.
I especially enjoy Ruth Hogan’s ability to encapsulate, in a few sentences or paragraphs, the whole essence of a life. She also writes with a wicked sense of humour, which also appeals to me. One of the ‘Habituals’ at the Library is given the nickname of Mrs Biscuit because of her regular gifts of weirdly flavoured biscuits such as peanut and rhubarb. We also read of the odd things left inside returned library books, including an uncooked rasher of bacodemonstratinglte lines, however, are the description of Nigel Farage looking like he’s broken wind and got away with it!
The final funeral had me in tears, though the actual ending of the novel is more upbeat and sees George’s own relationships changing positively. Edwin’s father’s words ‘the way we treat our dead is a measure of our own humanity’ seem to underpin the various kindnesses of these strangers which make this novel both a rewarding and uplifting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Thank you Ruth Hogan for telling what might have been a morbid story in another writer’s hands, in such a life-affirming manner.
The Light a Candle Society starts with a Local Authority funeral, one given to those who have no family. It is a respectful but clinical business. George McGlory witnesses one such funeral when visiting his wife, Audrey’s grave. He is moved that Kathleen Hooley’s funeral was such a lonely affair which ‘touched his heart and left a bruise’. Over time, George garners a disparate group of individuals including Roxy, who works at the local Library with George; Niall, the Local Government employee overseeing the funerals; and Edwin, a funeral director, all pledging to make the barren Local Authority funerals more personal. Additions to the core group include Sid, whose house clearance business provides insights into the lives of the deceased. Items left after the person’s death are described poignantly as ‘someone else’s memories and no-one left to care’. Elena a local florist, provides flowers for each funeral. George becomes the self-styled Death Detective, finding out the backstory of each of those due for cremation in order to ensure that every funeral is personalised.
When a junior local journalist, Bryony, becomes aware of the group. Fed up with reporting on the likes of ‘a pumpkin that looks exactly like Donald Trump’ she helps them to spread the message of what the Light a Candle Society are doing through her journalism and social media.
I especially enjoy Ruth Hogan’s ability to encapsulate, in a few sentences or paragraphs, the whole essence of a life. She also writes with a wicked sense of humour, which also appeals to me. One of the ‘Habituals’ at the Library is given the nickname of Mrs Biscuit because of her regular gifts of weirdly flavoured biscuits such as peanut and rhubarb. We also read of the odd things left inside returned library books, including an uncooked rasher of bacodemonstratinglte lines, however, are the description of Nigel Farage looking like he’s broken wind and got away with it!
The final funeral had me in tears, though the actual ending of the novel is more upbeat and sees George’s own relationships changing positively. Edwin’s father’s words ‘the way we treat our dead is a measure of our own humanity’ seem to underpin the various kindnesses of these strangers which make this novel both a rewarding and uplifting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Thank you Ruth Hogan for telling what might have been a morbid story in another writer’s hands, in such a life-affirming manner.
December 26, 2025
As I have said before, I’ve read all of Ruth’s novels, my favourites being The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes and The Keeper of Lost Things (in that order or maybe joint first). But nothing could have prepared me for The Light A Candle Society and the emotion it stirred up in me. I listened to it on Audible and at first I wasn’t sure about the male narrator, but I grew to love him with his great voices and impressions.
Having had a busy Christmas Eve and a quick drink in the pub on Christmas Day morning, I had the rest of the day free – dinner notwithstanding. Not particularly interested in the repeats on TV, I listened to the last two hours of the book and spent most of it in tears. It’s not because of the funerals themselves – the Light A Candle Society is a beautiful idea – but because we learn so much about the people who supposedly die without freinds and relatives, and the interesting lives they had before they found themselves alone. There but for the grace of God etc…. Arthur and Captain in particular stole my heart along with crisp-eating Sailor the dog (all my dogs have loved eating crisps in the pub so I can identify).
So how did the Light A Candle Society come to exist? Librarian George McGlory is a widower who visits his late wife Audrey at the cemetery once a week. He always takes flowers from Elena’s flower shop. It is at the cemetery that he meets undertaker Edwin and learns about public health funerals. It’s when people with no relatives or friends are given a funeral with only a member of the council present. George finds this very sad. So he decides one day to ‘gatecrash’ a funeral and even starts singing The Lord is My Shepherd. This attracts the attention of newly appointed council employee Niall, who reprimands George for ‘interfering’ as he didn’t know whether Derek, the deceased, was even a Christian.
George works part time at the Library with Roxy who is almost forty and still unmarried or in a relationship – her mother is in a care home. Together with journalist Briony, the small group start to attend all the public health funerals, trying to find missing friends and relatives of the deceased and even having a wake at the Dog and Donkey pub where they are also a regular quiz team.
As anyone familiar with Ruth’s books will know, there is always a cast of slightly eccentric, colourful characters in addition to our main protagonists. I just adored this book and I shall miss them all.
Having had a busy Christmas Eve and a quick drink in the pub on Christmas Day morning, I had the rest of the day free – dinner notwithstanding. Not particularly interested in the repeats on TV, I listened to the last two hours of the book and spent most of it in tears. It’s not because of the funerals themselves – the Light A Candle Society is a beautiful idea – but because we learn so much about the people who supposedly die without freinds and relatives, and the interesting lives they had before they found themselves alone. There but for the grace of God etc…. Arthur and Captain in particular stole my heart along with crisp-eating Sailor the dog (all my dogs have loved eating crisps in the pub so I can identify).
So how did the Light A Candle Society come to exist? Librarian George McGlory is a widower who visits his late wife Audrey at the cemetery once a week. He always takes flowers from Elena’s flower shop. It is at the cemetery that he meets undertaker Edwin and learns about public health funerals. It’s when people with no relatives or friends are given a funeral with only a member of the council present. George finds this very sad. So he decides one day to ‘gatecrash’ a funeral and even starts singing The Lord is My Shepherd. This attracts the attention of newly appointed council employee Niall, who reprimands George for ‘interfering’ as he didn’t know whether Derek, the deceased, was even a Christian.
George works part time at the Library with Roxy who is almost forty and still unmarried or in a relationship – her mother is in a care home. Together with journalist Briony, the small group start to attend all the public health funerals, trying to find missing friends and relatives of the deceased and even having a wake at the Dog and Donkey pub where they are also a regular quiz team.
As anyone familiar with Ruth’s books will know, there is always a cast of slightly eccentric, colourful characters in addition to our main protagonists. I just adored this book and I shall miss them all.
December 4, 2025
The Light A Candle Society by Ruth Hogan is a beautifully heartwarming tale about the best of human nature and with its gentle humour it makes for a wonderfully feel good, uplifting read , or listen in this case as I listened to the audio book narrated by Mark Elstob.
The book centres on George, a man still grieving the loss of his beloved Audrey, who finds a new purpose in life when he witnesses a public health funeral, the most basic of services for those who die alone without family, with no mourners, no music, no flowers, nothing beyond the bare bones. This strikes George as terribly sad, every life deserves to be remembered, and so he decides to try to do something to mark the lives of those who have no one else to do it for them, As others find out what he is doing, many offer their time or services ,from Elena the florist where he usually buys flowers for Audrey's grave, to the landlord of the local pub who offers light refreshments following the services and Edwin the local undertaker and so the Light A Candle Society is formed, with the goal of shining a light on the lives of those who died alone and learning more about them.
This book could have been a sad read, filled as it is by the stories of those who died alone, many of whom having lived difficult or lonely lives, but the author does an exceptional job of showing the moments of joy and beauty in their lives and showing how their stories impacted the members of the Society, and does it with such tenderness and humour that the book is a delight. While the narration was good, I did find some of the voices the narrator chose a little strange, especially for some of the older female characters, but generally he did a good job and having to voice a large cast of characters is no easy task. Some of the stories were more emotional than others, and I defy anyone not to be moved by the story of Captain and his beloved Sailor, but I think the way that the estrangement between George and his brother was resolved felt a little hurried and since it largely happened off page was a little unsatisfying.
All that being said this is a book that I would recommend to anyone who needs a feel good read or to have their faith in humanity restored.
I listened to an ALC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own .
The book centres on George, a man still grieving the loss of his beloved Audrey, who finds a new purpose in life when he witnesses a public health funeral, the most basic of services for those who die alone without family, with no mourners, no music, no flowers, nothing beyond the bare bones. This strikes George as terribly sad, every life deserves to be remembered, and so he decides to try to do something to mark the lives of those who have no one else to do it for them, As others find out what he is doing, many offer their time or services ,from Elena the florist where he usually buys flowers for Audrey's grave, to the landlord of the local pub who offers light refreshments following the services and Edwin the local undertaker and so the Light A Candle Society is formed, with the goal of shining a light on the lives of those who died alone and learning more about them.
This book could have been a sad read, filled as it is by the stories of those who died alone, many of whom having lived difficult or lonely lives, but the author does an exceptional job of showing the moments of joy and beauty in their lives and showing how their stories impacted the members of the Society, and does it with such tenderness and humour that the book is a delight. While the narration was good, I did find some of the voices the narrator chose a little strange, especially for some of the older female characters, but generally he did a good job and having to voice a large cast of characters is no easy task. Some of the stories were more emotional than others, and I defy anyone not to be moved by the story of Captain and his beloved Sailor, but I think the way that the estrangement between George and his brother was resolved felt a little hurried and since it largely happened off page was a little unsatisfying.
All that being said this is a book that I would recommend to anyone who needs a feel good read or to have their faith in humanity restored.
I listened to an ALC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own .
August 15, 2025
I have loved all five of Ruth Hogan's previous books (what she calls "books with heart" on her website), so I was thrilled to learn about The Light a Candle Society, which is a worthy successor to her other books.
Widower, part-time librarian, and pub quiz enthusiast George comes to the cemetery to talk to his late wife each week and notices one day that there are no mourners at a funeral taking place at the adjoining crematorium and chapel. Speaking to the undertaker, he discovers that these "public health funerals" are held by the Council (local government) whenever the deceased has no living relatives and no will, at least none that can be found. These funerals are sad events, lacking flowers, music, a eulogy, and--most importantly--people who loved the deceased. George is desolate that someone has died without a meaningful sendoff, so he enlists the help of a fellow library worker, a florist, a cafe owner, and a second-hand store proprietor to find a way to give each such deceased a ceremony that properly reflects their life and the meaning of their death. It's not an easy task, requiring some research and the help of a few more people who are willing, including a junior reporter for a local newspaper who longs to be able to write and publish more important articles.
Sprinkled throughout the book are a dozen or so "cases"--individuals who had died for a variety of reasons, including old age, disease, accident, or suicide--and we learn briefly what their lives had been like and how they had ended. With the resources they had developed, the Light a Candle Society (they agreed Funeral Society was too lackluster) felt strongly that they were providing an important service to people whose death would not otherwise have been noticed and their life honored. Some of the Society members had their own issues to conquer and found some solace and help in their role in the Society.
This is a quiet, uplifting book, an easy read, but filled with optimism, joyful collaboration, and emotion and populated with relatable, likeable characters. I loved every minute, and it wasn't until I read about the last "case" that I was moved to tears. Even when I told my son about it, I couldn't do it without my voice breaking. Highly recommended.
Widower, part-time librarian, and pub quiz enthusiast George comes to the cemetery to talk to his late wife each week and notices one day that there are no mourners at a funeral taking place at the adjoining crematorium and chapel. Speaking to the undertaker, he discovers that these "public health funerals" are held by the Council (local government) whenever the deceased has no living relatives and no will, at least none that can be found. These funerals are sad events, lacking flowers, music, a eulogy, and--most importantly--people who loved the deceased. George is desolate that someone has died without a meaningful sendoff, so he enlists the help of a fellow library worker, a florist, a cafe owner, and a second-hand store proprietor to find a way to give each such deceased a ceremony that properly reflects their life and the meaning of their death. It's not an easy task, requiring some research and the help of a few more people who are willing, including a junior reporter for a local newspaper who longs to be able to write and publish more important articles.
Sprinkled throughout the book are a dozen or so "cases"--individuals who had died for a variety of reasons, including old age, disease, accident, or suicide--and we learn briefly what their lives had been like and how they had ended. With the resources they had developed, the Light a Candle Society (they agreed Funeral Society was too lackluster) felt strongly that they were providing an important service to people whose death would not otherwise have been noticed and their life honored. Some of the Society members had their own issues to conquer and found some solace and help in their role in the Society.
This is a quiet, uplifting book, an easy read, but filled with optimism, joyful collaboration, and emotion and populated with relatable, likeable characters. I loved every minute, and it wasn't until I read about the last "case" that I was moved to tears. Even when I told my son about it, I couldn't do it without my voice breaking. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2025
When George McGlory stumbles across a funeral without any mourners he's shocked and intrigued. Upon learning that a public health funeral is carried out when a deceased has no family or friends to make the necessary arrangements he takes it upon himself to attend as many as he can.
Ruth Hogan has such a magical way of drawing you into a story that you can't help but be completely absorbed by The Light A Candle Society. Wonderful narration from Mark Elstob adds the perfect touch as he makes it so easy to distinguish between the different characters.
George is still mourning the loss of his wife and regularly visits her grave. It's during one of these visits that he notices a funeral taking place with no mourners. Chatting with the funeral director he discovers that it is a public health funeral, one carried out by the local council as the deceased had no known family or friends. George is disheartened thinking that someone can die without anyone to mark their passing and pledges to try and attend any public health funerals in the future. As he shares his discovery with friends and colleagues he finds like-minded souls who offer to support him in any way they can and thus, the Light A Candle Society is born.
Despite the somber theme, this is an uplifting story, we see the good in many people, the generosity of spirit and a sense of community as they offer support. There is a snowball effect, particularly when a local journalist gets involved.
The deceased aren't simply names in the story, the author does a wonderful job by giving us a glimpse into their lives, almost a short story about the character. This snapshot focuses on a happy time when everything in life seemed to be going well, this is then juxtaposed with the lonely funeral. As George investigates the life of each solitary individual we learn the sad story of how they came to be alone and it makes you realise how easy it is for life to change so drastically.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
Ruth Hogan has such a magical way of drawing you into a story that you can't help but be completely absorbed by The Light A Candle Society. Wonderful narration from Mark Elstob adds the perfect touch as he makes it so easy to distinguish between the different characters.
George is still mourning the loss of his wife and regularly visits her grave. It's during one of these visits that he notices a funeral taking place with no mourners. Chatting with the funeral director he discovers that it is a public health funeral, one carried out by the local council as the deceased had no known family or friends. George is disheartened thinking that someone can die without anyone to mark their passing and pledges to try and attend any public health funerals in the future. As he shares his discovery with friends and colleagues he finds like-minded souls who offer to support him in any way they can and thus, the Light A Candle Society is born.
Despite the somber theme, this is an uplifting story, we see the good in many people, the generosity of spirit and a sense of community as they offer support. There is a snowball effect, particularly when a local journalist gets involved.
The deceased aren't simply names in the story, the author does a wonderful job by giving us a glimpse into their lives, almost a short story about the character. This snapshot focuses on a happy time when everything in life seemed to be going well, this is then juxtaposed with the lonely funeral. As George investigates the life of each solitary individual we learn the sad story of how they came to be alone and it makes you realise how easy it is for life to change so drastically.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
June 8, 2025
George McGlory has been struggling since the death of his beloved wife, Audrey. When he witnesses a public health funeral - with no flowers and no mourners - he is inspired to create The Light a Candle Society. As George and his friends join together to celebrate forgotten lives, their care, compassion, humour and friendship become gifts not only to the people they are remembering, but to each other. And the kindness of strangers gives them strength to confront the secrets of their own histories, forging joyful and unexpected new connections. After all, every flame tells a story...
As a big fan of Ruth’s writing I always look forward to reading her books and wow, I think this might just be my favourite one so far, I absolutely adored this book!
I immediately connected with George’s character, and then every one that was introduced to finally form ‘The Light A Candle Society’ - such a fabulous group of people, each with their own individual outlooks and life experiences.
The way the author integrates the additional characters, the people who benefit from the groups activities to ensure everyone gets a deserved send off in death, inserted at relevant chapters in the title, is executed perfectly, linking the main storyline alongside the background. The authors embracing writing style means these characters also become part of the readers journey, further enhancing the enjoyment of the book.
There is the perfect balance between the sadness and tears, combined with the laughter and happiness, and this book made me smile as well as believing in the kindness of humanity once more. This is a book that will stay with me and has left a warm fuzzy feeling when I think about it, a heartwarming and special read.
As a big fan of Ruth’s writing I always look forward to reading her books and wow, I think this might just be my favourite one so far, I absolutely adored this book!
I immediately connected with George’s character, and then every one that was introduced to finally form ‘The Light A Candle Society’ - such a fabulous group of people, each with their own individual outlooks and life experiences.
The way the author integrates the additional characters, the people who benefit from the groups activities to ensure everyone gets a deserved send off in death, inserted at relevant chapters in the title, is executed perfectly, linking the main storyline alongside the background. The authors embracing writing style means these characters also become part of the readers journey, further enhancing the enjoyment of the book.
There is the perfect balance between the sadness and tears, combined with the laughter and happiness, and this book made me smile as well as believing in the kindness of humanity once more. This is a book that will stay with me and has left a warm fuzzy feeling when I think about it, a heartwarming and special read.
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