Sipsworth

"Indelible escapades...heartfelt."--New York Times, "These Cozy Fall Books Feel Like a Hug"

"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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Published May 7, 2024

240 pages

Average rating: 7.74

86 RATINGS

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Three Tulips Yarn Company

We meet the last Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 at Traditions Unlimited. Everyone invited!! You do not need to be a knitter or crocheter.

Community Reviews

Mrs Mayo
Nov 13, 2025
8/10 stars
I am loving books (and shows) about the elderly lately. This was a simple, charming book.
Meriel
May 01, 2026
10/10 stars
Absolutely charming! I dare you not to smile...
badmom
Apr 09, 2026
7/10 stars
Cute story with a tinge of sadness about being the last one standing
hiodom
Mar 01, 2025
5/10 stars
Sweet book.
Todd Katz
Dec 11, 2024
6/10 stars
The last 20% of this book was excellent excellent. Storylines/characters/“action”. The first 1/2 I just wanted it to be over, it was slow and boring and I felt it was a bad book you’d be forced to read in grade school. The end however made up for it.

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