Sipsworth

By: Simon Van Booy

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

Over the course of a single week, a woman who is ready to die discovers an unexpected reason to live.

Following the deaths of her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the English village of her childhood after living abroad for six decades. Her only wish is to die quickly and without fuss.

Helen retreats into her home on Westminster Crescent, becoming a creature of routine and habit. Then, one cold autumn night, a chance encounter with an abandoned pet mouse on the street outside her house sets Helen on a surprising journey of friendship.

Sipsworth is a reminder that there can be second chances. No matter what we have planned for ourselves, sometimes the world has plans of its own. Simon Van Booy's lyrical storytelling is a delight even as it will fill your heart.

©2024 Simon Van Booy (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

A charming antidote for your troubles.

Like being read a fairy tale when you were a child. Takes you out of the day-to-day and into a magical world of an old woman and the little mouse she finds and names Sipsworth. It’s a gentle reminder that when you’re old, when you are losing your abilities to do the things you once did, it’s important not to let your world shrink down to nothing.

Lovely read

Charming tale full of kindness and wisdom. It’s the little things that matter in life.

So delightful

This was a fantastic portrayal of growing older and finding a new a new life because of a tiny friend.

Empathy

This bittersweet story of growing old, loss, and being alone is heartbreaking as well as uplifting.
Helen's rescue of Sipsworth and his involvement of giving her reasons to live by causing encounters with people who ultimately come to care for her is ingenious .
Well written and the narrative was excellent. Brought a tear to my eye more than once. Well done!

Unrealistic subject

Wonderfully written and great reader. Underlying story very sweet. I am surprised at myself for not returning the audio. Quite predictable and sweet.

It’s really a Children’s Story

The editors must be daft to call this adult fiction. It’s a sugary sweet story that demands you suspend common sense as well as reality. It made me feel ripped off to expected more.

WOW

Maybe it’s because I’m about the same age as the protagonist but I identify with her. Starts slow but now I’m ready to read it again. My kind of story.

The Book of a Lifetime

What a beautiful treasure. At 59 this takes me back to the books I loved as a child, while filling a void that I live with today. Perfect in every way.

Memories of my childhood

Reminded me of myself when I was a young girl. I was in a biology class with a dreadful teacher. We were going to have to kill and dissect mice. I put a stone in the door and snuck in after school. I took the mice home, made a cage and hid them in my closet.

Purpose

We all want to be needed and have purpose. Helen Cartwright has come to terms with the fact that she has outlived her usefulness but a small creature enters her life and shows her that purpose comes in many forms. Given a new lease on life, Helen and Sipsworth form an unusual and committed bond. Really enjoyed seeing Helen's evolution during a one week period of time. Just a good uplifting story.