The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price, Purveyor of Superior Funerals

Set in a remote corner of Wales in 1924, Jones’s debut novel (the book’s sequel, The World Is a Wedding, has already been published in the U.K.) is a luminous meditation on the tests and transformations of love. Aflame with sexual curiosity, young and still virginal funeral director Wilfred Price impulsively proposes to the daughter of the local doctor. Soon realizing that he doesn’t truly want to marry Grace Reece, whom he barely knows, Wilfred revokes his offer. But news of the engagement has spread, as has the revelation that Grace is pregnant—and nobody will believe the baby isn’t his. Meanwhile, Wilfred becomes enthralled with Flora Edwards, and Grace struggles with her own secrets. Ultimately, all three must find ways to follow their hearts without breaking anyone else’s. Jones narrates their journeys with tenderness and insight, capturing the era’s quaint speech and mores without trivializing the characters. The novel’s place and time are beautifully evoked as well, through small authentic details. (Mar.)