The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals
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4.4 • 8 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
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)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in a remote corner of Wales in 1924, Jones's debut novel (the book's sequel, The World Is a Wedding, has already been published in the U.K.) is a luminous meditation on the tests and transformations of love. Aflame with sexual curiosity, young and still virginal funeral director Wilfred Price impulsively proposes to the daughter of the local doctor. Soon realizing that he doesn't truly want to marry Grace Reece, whom he barely knows, Wilfred revokes his offer. But news of the engagement has spread, as has the revelation that Grace is pregnant and nobody will believe the baby isn't his. Meanwhile, Wilfred becomes enthralled with Flora Edwards, and Grace struggles with her own secrets. Ultimately, all three must find ways to follow their hearts without breaking anyone else's. Jones narrates their journeys with tenderness and insight, capturing the era's quaint speech and mores without trivializing the characters. The novel's place and time are beautifully evoked as well, through small authentic details.
