The Ferryman and His Wife is a beautiful and gentle book. On the protagonist’s last day of life, he sets out on his ferry one final time. Through his encounters with those who have died during his life, we slowly come to understand his life and what has shaped him. It’s a tender story about love, kindness, and what it means to be human. Themes of marriage, relationships, and friendship are woven throughout, and I found much of it moving and easy to imagine. I did lose focus a little about three-quarters of the way through, but overall, I was engaged and thought it was a lovely read. I received a free advanced review copy, and this is my honest review.

"What do you remember best Nils? she asks. I don't know. So much is lost to him, so much is gone, an absence that will soon encompass everything"

"This life is like an item of clothing, the beauty exists on the outside but the warmth is found within."

This is the last day of Nils Vik's life- a ferryman all his life taking people across a fjord from countryside to city and vice versa; encountering people from all backgrounds and experiences. Today he will die. He has chosen to make one final journey and as he does so he finds he is accompanied by visitors; friends and acquaintances who have died and reunite with him on this final journey. Memories- fellow travellers

Nils reflects upon his life, loves and experiences and the visitors remind him of events- big and small. This is a man who brought connections and changes to people's lives : visiting family; leaving for new lives; returning to loved ones and through simple acts of kindness shown care ( that underrated word)

Nils has one hope on this final trip - to be reunited with his wife, Marta.

This could seem like a melancholy or even depressing read but it isn't. Frode Grytten has written a book that is about celebrating and taking stock of a life lived- yes, the highs and lows but the pivotal moments and the small pleasures and actions.

What makes this book even more special is that Nils is a gentle soul- not a go-getting, life-grabbing , material-accumulating man- this is a story that is a tribute to those who are humble- often forgotten ; even invisible.

If you enjoyed The Cranes Fly South or the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series then this will certainly appeal but if you want a simply sublime beautiful read about existing, being and the power of simply living with a kind heart then you will love this.

Alison McCullough's translation is pitch perfect

Very moving- not sentimental - and certainly makes you reflect upon family and friends past and present and the value of living in the moment.

Highly Recommended

Quotes;

People along the fjord have always viewed kindness as a from of weakness, but he showed that kindness is the opposite of weakness.

He loved his wife. I always said they lived like two clapping hands, she was the left hand, he the right..