by J. L. Carr
First published 2014
Tom Birkin arrives in the Yorkshire village of Oxgodby to restore a medieval wall painting hidden beneath centuries of whitewash in the local church. The work offers him refuge from the trauma of World War One, which left him damaged and searching for peace. As he carefully uncovers the ancient artwork, he befriends another war veteran who has come to search for a grave in the churchyard. The two men share an understanding born of their battlefield experiences. Through the slow revelation of the painting and the discovery of old village secrets, Tom begins to confront his own wounds. The restoration becomes more than just uncovering art. It becomes a path toward healing in a community where the past refuses to stay buried.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, adult-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Yorkshire, Oxgodby
Period: World War One
92 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Viking
Content warnings: war