The Gravedigger

Genre mystery Author Peter Grandbois Publisher Chronicle Books External Links Official The Gravedigger Website Official Chronicle Books Website

Peter Grandbois brings together a colorful group of characters in the new novel, The Gravedigger. It is a compelling story and a heartwarming read that will teach you to forgive and to listen to those around you. A bit creepy, given the obvious occupation of the main character, but it is certainly entertaining and a great first novel for Peter Grandbios.

Set in a mountain village in Andalucia in Spain, Juan Rodrigo is a gravedigger. His father has passed down this hard and tedious job. His father also teaches him to listen to those who are dead. As Juan listens, he learns something about life and how we should let go and forgive.

Juan is literally haunted by the people he buries, which is probably a little unfair but doing so helps him to learn a thing or two about what it means to forgive. He shares the stories of their past life with those around him. As a respected member of the community for the most part, Juan leads an odd but comfortable life.

His only daughter, Esperanza, is full of fire and spice and is such an admirable character. She falls in love with a wild gypsy boy, and Juan is forced to find the own 'let go and forgive' attitude that he is constantly telling others about. Will he be able to follow his own advice? The climax is rewarding, fitting and a bit sad but will keep any reader satisfied.

Most of the tension for Juan is in his own feelings toward his passed wife and dealing with his daughter. Also, there are number of most interesting stories by other ghosts that are inserted along the way. It keeps you turning the pages and wanting to read more. It becomes a little corny at times but still enjoyable. Of particular favorite, the stories about the past lives of those Juan buried are shared with his daughter and he passes their message along to others in his village, teaching forgiveness. He teaches his lesson, the lessons of those passed on, even through some ridicule. Some people called Juan the devil for his assumption he can talk to spirits. It is almost like magic though when his stories reveal its lessons.

There are some interesting take away tidbits included in this book. Some of the cultural inserts, the setting and the folklore mixed together makes this story come alive so vividly; you'll feel like you've really been there. Grandbois has a stunning story telling method that is both striking and vivid.

This is a book that is beautifully haunting and will stick in your mind long after you have read it. You do not see many debut books that read this well. You'll be lost in the pages. With hope, we'll be reading more from Peter Grandbois soon.