Sipsworth

By Simon Van Booy

A widow's encounter with a mouse sparks an unexpected journey of hope and friendship.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 28,830 ratings

240 pages

$26.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Helen Cartwright, a reclusive widow, returns to her childhood village, resigned to a life of solitude. Her days blur into monotony until a chance meeting with a mouse on a cold night changes everything. Over two weeks, in a quaint English town, Helen discovers a surprising reason to live. As she forms an unlikely bond with this tiny creature, she learns that life can hold unexpected plans. Will Helen embrace this newfound hope, or retreat into her shell? This heartwarming tale explores the power of friendship and the unexpected paths life can take.

From the publisher

“Beautiful and enchanting”–Washington Post Sometimes a second chance comes in the most unexpected way…. 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. Over the course of two weeks in a small English town, this reclusive widow discovers an unexpected reason to live. Sipsworth is a reminder that there is always reason for hope. 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.

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