On the Devon coast there is a lighthouse and in it Peter Straker lives an almost hermit-like existence except for the conversations he has in his head with the 78 victims he believes he killed in an airplane accident.
The details of the accident are a bit fuzzy and he knows that the crash was ruled an accident but both he and his family have thought it best that he atone for his actions. Through the years Peter has corresponded with the families of the victims trying to piece together what they were like and what they’ve missed. It’s his greatest desire that they not be forgotten.
Into his solitary world another cheerless soul comes in, Imogene Doody. The school caretaker has inherited a rundown cottage and finally finds something to look forward to in life. Imogene, or Doody as she prefers to be called, finds it easier to deal with people through a tough façade. She won’t be heart broken again after having been left by her husband without a single word.
Yet Doody begins to confront Peter in small ways. Talking to him even though all the coastal residents have said he doesn’t speak or seeking him out at the lighthouse. Both are distrustful yet an unlikely friendship starts to form.
This book is utterly enjoyable. I wasn’t too sure that I would like the characters, and even though Doody is not very sympathetic at first I really found myself rooting for her. Both characters are vividly portrayed while questions of guilt and atonement are explored.