Dearly Departed
Dearly Departed by Elinor Lipman, published by Fourth Estate in 2002, is a New Ed edition comprising 288 pages. This book presents a comedy of manners that intertwines themes of family life, humor, and the complexities of relationships. The story begins with Sunny Batten receiving shocking news about her mother’s unexpected death, which leads her into a series of unforeseen complications involving a stranger and the revelation of a hidden engagement.
Readers will find themselves immersed in the quirky dynamics of a small New Hampshire town, where Sunny and the brash Fletcher navigate the aftermath of their parents’ deaths amidst funeral proceedings. The narrative explores the interplay of personal loss and community gossip, all while maintaining a humorous tone. With elements of political intrigue and black humor, Dearly Departed captures the essence of familial bonds and the absurdities of life, making it a unique addition to the literary landscape.
Official synopsis Publisher
An unexpectedly joyful comedy of manners that encompasses amateur dramatics, drive-by shootings, political campaigns and golf.
When Sunny Batten hears from a brusque, ill-mannered stranger that her beloved mother Margaret has just died in a freak household accident, understandably she thinks that things can’t get any worse. But when she discovers that her cranky informant is the son of the man who died alongside Margaret, and that the pair, unbeknownst to their offspring, were engaged to be married, matters take a distinct downward turn.
As even-tempered, reasonable Sunny and arrogant, wise-cracking Fletcher take their positions at the funeral, the eyes and ears of the sleepy New Hampshire town of King George are fixed upon them. What excites the graveside gossips more than anything is the mourners’ identical, prematurely grey hair. Mere coincidence, or the inescapable workings of shared DNA?
With its vivid evocation of small-town life and a cast of unwittingly hilarious characters, ‘The Dearly Departed’ will prompt as many belly laughs as it will tears – and leave you hoping for more despatches from King George long after you’ve turned its final page.
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