The Gravedigger

by Rob Magnuson Smith

The gravedigger Henry Bale lives with his ailing dog in the village of Chalk, England. Painfully shy, he is resigned to growing old alone. Then Caroline Ford, an impulsive schoolteacher from Brighton, arrives in Chalk. Caroline awakens Henry to life, and to a fear of death. Their relationship becomes a startling investigation of love, faith, and the search for meaning.

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[zunggg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting from the author of the surprising Scorper, this is pretty much a conventional romance. The oddities of English village life are certainly present, but the tone, like the title character, is sincere to the point of awkwardness. Undeniably charming though.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far more emotional, in the end, than I expected. Didn't see it coming.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an unusual story. This is a story of a man with an exceptional job leading an unexceptional life. The book paints a great picture of every day life in a small village where some of the residents feel doomed to small town life or, are passionately drunk much of the time. The writing style is good and the story flows effortlessly. I found the love story to be realistic considering the circumstances and the emotions heart wrenching. A few surprises with the story line kept me reading and surprised I stayed until the very end. Good read but not great.

[Sheleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

To all friends that may read this review. This book is written by one of Mike good Highschool buddies. Can't wait to read it and see what it's all about. Was an interesting take on someone elses take of what life is about. Interesting

[Nicola Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perceptive and beautifully written observation of village life. Plot teetered on the brink of melodrama occasionally. But I now know lots about the art of grave digging which is somehow strangely life affirming.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a tad unusual. I'm not sure if it's a quirky small-town semi-comical jaunt, a la Waking Ned Devine, or a deeply philosophic find-the-meaning-of-life-through religion (or beer) novel. I'm on the fence, but it seems to appeal to most readers.

[Mjdrean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my, what an unusual love story. Sometimes, the plot borders on sophmoric but the author overcomes this with a rich, imperfect cast of characters in a starkly beautiful locale. Stories set in Newfoundland never disappoint me it seems.

[Bsag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful novel, full of great characterisation, and capturing the slightly stifling atmosphere of a small village beautifully. I don't want to provide any spoilers, but it also contains a stunning twist near the end that left me genuinely stunned.

[Eryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a horrible book by any means...but not a good one either. No true climax, an irritating ending that seemed tacked on and hurried. Book club...we need better suggestions!

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was slow, but interesting enough for me to finish. Nothing fantastic.

[Darren]

This was a really interesting book for me. I also liked how I read this book in 6 days.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Absolutely unforgettable.