In this fourth instalment in the Singing Hills Cycle, Cleric Chih is in quite a different scenario as we have seen them previously as they return home to be greeted with the death of their mentor. 

Whilst all of the books in this series are quite gentle and thoughtful stories, this novella in particular felt as though it stood apart as it explores themes of grief as well as looking at the way that our interpersonal relationships may change as we mature. This is not going to be an easy book to get through for most readers and it is definitely a story that you want to contemplate and take your time with, just sitting with the narrative.

I particularly respected the way that we saw a wide variety of characters’ relationships with the deceased as well as the tales that they told about them. I think it was really beautiful the ceremony that was had for remembrance and I particularly loved that a conversation was had around remembering a person in their entirety even when that might feel inconvenient. I also absolutely loved the role that the hoopoes / neixens had in this tale.