AustLit

The son of a grocer in a small English village is apprenticed to an undertaker when he shows his fascination for the trade. His first official task is the funeral of the housekeeper's daughter at the local hall - and he discovers that it is in fact the daughter of the mistress of the hall because he has known her as a child. Her mother attempts to hide her death because she loses the title to the hall when her daughter dies. Interesting, especially for the boy's fascination with the paraphernalia of death. W.W's quirky mind at it again! (PB)