Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy (2024 fiction)

After a tragic loss, Helen Cartwright has left her home in Australia and returned to the village in England in which she grew up. In a very pragmatic way, she prepares for her end. The author empathetically helps us imagine the loneliness of aging. Helen becomes curious about what others are throwing out and inspects a neighbor’s curbside discards. A fish tank is there, and it brings back memories of her son’s childhood. She brings it in with the deep-sea diver doll inside. In time, she notices something about a box which had been inside the tank. She sees “a pair of tiny eyes and a pink nose”. Now a dilemma—how to dispose of this mouse without injuring him. This is a charming story, recommended by author, Ann Patchett who puts out a list of summer books to read on NPR. She said she loved it and I did too!!

Reviewed by Robin Olivier