Ann Hood is a lovely writer, perhaps even masterful. The obituary writer is Vivian Lowe, a woman driven by grief after her lover is reported killed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. She never gives up hope that he somehow survived the disaster, perhaps suffering from amnesia or a grave injury. Vivian becomes somewhat of a phenomenon, sought after by grieving relatives and friends to write obituaries that reflect the essence of their subjects rather than listing the facts of their lives.
Vivian's story alternates with that of Clair, a housewife in the 1960's. Claire is obsessed with the beauty and lifestyle of First Lady Jackie Kennedy (strangely referred to at times as Jackie O) and unhappy in her own unfulfilling marriage. When Claire finds love with another man and falls pregnant she is unsure of whose baby she carries and debates leaving her somewhat cold husband, Peter. Their story culminates with a long trip in a snowstorm to visit Peter's grandmother, Birdy, to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Ann Hood, despite the fact that many of her novels are based on the process of grieving, is a writer who celebrates life and future. I have enjoyed each of her novels in a different way and would recommend them all.
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