A world famous ornithologist sits next to an equally famous musician both flying for professional appearances. As strange noises begin to echo throughout the plane the ornithologist takes the hand of the young musician to comfort her. The lights dim and go out, smoke begins to filter into the passenger area. The plane falls, there is an explosion and it goes into the sea. All are gone.

An innkeeper on an island seeing the explosion finds he is profoundly affected. And, in the days and weeks ahead he and his partner are hosts to the friends and family who come for closure. The grief affects not only these people but those who look for survivors and evidence of why the plane plunged into the sea. Many family members return year after year to mourn their loved ones and the story tells of the support they find among one another as they struggle to heal.

This is a read that touches the heart and gives the reader an idea of how sudden tragedy affects so many. The author writes about tragedy and grief in such a sensitive manner that one cannot help but like this little novel. An interesting thread is the bird vignettes that link the different stories and experiences together. They are so appropriate.

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This is a wonderful read!! It brings together a variety of people recovering from a tragic accident that affects them all. Getting to know all of these people and how they connect with each other despite their differences was done brilliantly.

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