Member Review

A Terrible Kindness is in contention for the best book I’ve read this year. In 1966 William, a newly qualified embalmer volunteers his services to the Aberfan community following the fatal landslide that buried a school and more. It’s an experience that, alongside his time as a young chorister in Cambridge, shapes his life for years to come. I loved the attention to detail - of training to be an embalmer, the music and references to Birmingham - the supporting characters in this book - William’s uncle Robert and his partner Howard in particular - but also the understanding of the importance and healing power of music and singing not only to William and Martin, but to the wider community.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.