A historical fiction debut. "An old-fashioned story exploring first
love, loyalty and loss--this diverting novel is pure pleasure" (The New
York Times Book Review).
Under the heady influence of a springtime picnic and vague notions of
obligation, young undertaker Wilfred Price blurts out a marriage
proposal to a woman he barely knows. Much to his consternation, she says
yes. As Wilfred attempts to extricate himself from the situation, his
betrothed's overbearing father presents further complications. And when
Wilfred meets another woman he does wish to marry, a comedy of manners
ensues. Set in rural Wales during the 1920s, Wendy Jones's charming
first novel is a deceptive, subtly humorous entrance to the mores and
social conventions of a world gone by.
"A life-embracing novel." --The Boston Globe
"A skillfully drawn comedy of manners." --The New Yorker
"[Jones'] characters are delightfully drawn, lovingly described, and
infused with life that transcends the printed page." --World Literature
Today
"Wilfred's sentimental education is wrought so delightfully and
affectionately." --Sunday Times
"Light, compassionate drama about a small, very tightly bound, ancient
corner of the world." --The Guardian
"This is a spryly told tale whose heart is an ample match for its more
knowing qualities." --Daily Mail
"A comedy of errors in rural Wales evolves into a dark tale of family
secrets in this very accomplished debut." --Kirkus Reviews (starred
review)
