Book club selection ( )

The title sets the mood for this somber novel, a meditation on the ways to carry grief, to remain constant in loving someone, and considerations for forgiveness. Some beautiful language, some plot points that are a little hard to believe...including the main storyline of an erudite New England poet falling in love with a stubborn young woman from South Carolina. But a worthy read nonetheless, if particularly for the graceful language. ( )

William is dying and chooses to spend what is left of his life with the woman he loves--his dead wife's sister. He makes his final arrangements for dispostion of property, shares his decision with his present wife and leaves his home in New England to be with Leandra in her tiny cabin in rural South Carolina. She accepts him, and accepts the fact that he will be with her until he dies. Dodd explores the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of the end of a life and paints an unsparing portrait of "Wim," a man tormented by his past sins.

The book is very well done, eminently readable and provides an intriguing story with some surprises. ( )

About a woman taking care of a dying man. ( )

a quick easy read; a little forgettable as time goes by -- but in general I would say I enjoyed it. ( )