"Nobody walks the knife-edge of hilarity and heartbreak more confidently than Pelletier."—Richard Russo

In her exquisite new novel, acclaimed author Cathie Pelletier presents a witty and refreshingly candid portrait of grief, intergenerational conflict, and the impact one person can have on those he loved.

Bixley, Maine. One year after Henry Munroe's fatal heart attack at age forty-one, his doting parents, prudish wife, rebellious son, and wayward brother are still reeling. So is Evie Cooper, a bartender, self-proclaimed "spiritual portraitist," and Henry's former mistress. While his widow, Jeanie, struggles with the betrayal, Henry's overbearing mother is making plans to hold a memorial service. As the date of the tribute draws closer and these worlds threaten to collide, the Munroes grapple with the frailty of their own lives and the knowledge that love is all that matters.

With her trademark wry wit and wisdom, Cathie Pelletier has crafted an elegant and surprisingly uplifiting portrait of the many strange and inspiring forms that grief can take in its journey toward healing.

A novelist and songwriter, Cathie Pelletiere has published under her own name and the pen name K.C. McKinnon. She is the author of one book of poetry and eleven novels, one of which, Candles on Bay Street was made into a motion picture. Her songs have been recorded by David Byrne, the Texas Tornadoes, and the Glaser Brothers.

Cathie Pelletier's profile page

"Pelletier’s writing bristles with sharp descriptions and her story hums along at a satisfying pace, drawing the reader in with sympathetic and utterly believable characters." — Publishers Weekly

"Sensitive yet witty, Pelletier’s (The One-Way Bridge, 2013) wise examination of one of life’s most tragic episodes brims with hopeful understanding." — Booklist

"A Year After Henry is a great look at the effect people have on each other and how difficult it can be to get on with your life after they go." — Boston Herald

"Pelletier is expert at taking familiar types in familiar settings (much of her work is set in her native northern Maine) and not disturbing that sense of familiarity but rather fully inhabiting it. " — The New York Times Book Review