Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
Fiction
2024
Finished on December 17, 2024
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Following the loss of her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the village of her childhood after living abroad for six decades. Her only wish is to die quickly and without fuss. She retreats into her home on Westminster Crescent, becoming a creature of routine and habit: "Each day was an impersonation of the one before with only a slight shuffle--as though even for death there is a queue."
Then, one cold winter night, a chance encounter with a mouse sets Helen on a surprising journey.
Sipsworth is a reminder that there can be second chances. No matter what we have planned for ourselves, sometimes life has plans of its own. With profound compassion, Simon Van Booy illuminates not only a deep friendship forged between two lonely creatures, but the reverberations of goodness that ripple out from that unique bond.
We live in a forest on the Oregon Coast. While we love to watch the birds outside our windows, we've recently stopped feeding them since the seed has been attracting rats! We wound up with a rat in our attic a few months ago, and after closing off the spot where we thought it was going in, we decided to put the bird feeders away...at least until next spring. This is all to say that I am not a fan of rodents. Unlike Van Booy's main character, I do not welcome mice (or rats) in this house. I'm happy that Helen found companionship with a furry four-legged creature, but if I wind up living alone in my old age, I'm more likely to get a dog.
Every day was an impersonation of the one before with only a slight shuffle--as though even for death there is a queue.
I've read some of Simon Van Booy's short stories, and while they didn't wow me, I was curious about Sipsworth, as I enjoy books about aging women. The novel is an easy read, and I enjoyed the opening chapters, but as I progressed in my reading, I felt the story was edging toward something overly sappy. I continued reading and with a surprising revelation about Helen, my attention returned. Those who believe in second chances and are looking for a feel-good read will delight in Van Booy's tender novel.
Recommend.
There was an article in The NY Times today that recommended two books with elderly protagonists. I have found myself much interested in elderly women as a main character these days.
ReplyDeleteDeb, if you get a chance, I would love to know the title of the two books. I looked at the NY Times, but couldn't find the article.
DeleteShe has a friendship with a mouse eh? I guess I'm curious about the revelation so perhaps I will seek this out. Too bad about the rats around the bird feeder. That would be a no-go.
ReplyDeleteSusan, she does! It's a good book despite the middle section which lags a little bit. Yes, rats, squirrels and racoons are problematic around here.
DeleteI am so with you on the rodent front. Ew. What's astonishing is that I had a pet rat as a child! What the heck was I thinking?!
ReplyDeleteHelen, we have some friends in Nebraska who have had pet rats. No thank you!!
DeleteLes, I read that book and found it interestng the way it turned out. Books with older people are appealing to me and when you and Deb get the titles of the books from the NY Times please share!
ReplyDeleteTina, I think I'll put together a collage/post about my favorite books featuring older people. Maybe I'll even re-read a few in 2025.
DeleteI'm starting to be drawn to books with older protagonists, too! Overall I think I enjoyed Sipsworth more than you did... and keep coming back to it as I compile my list of favorites for the year.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I plan to put together a collage of book covers showcasing my favorite novels with older protagonists. I may try to re-read several of them over the course of the coming year. I did enjoy Sipsworth, and was happy Helen developed new friendships. Can't wait to see your list of favorites!
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