A charming and informative meander around graveyards that Jean Sprackland has known – to uncover some of the extraordinary stories of those at rest, and reflect on the changing customs of burials and memorials.

Wherever she has lived, Sprackland has visited graveyards. In ‘These Silent Mansions’ she re-visits these special places to learn more about some of those buried and commemorated; not the famous who “can look after themselves” but people now forgotten whose stories still have meaning for us today. People like the slaves captured on St Lucia and drowned off Ilfracombe in 1796, the Catholics denied a proper burial place until a maverick landowner allows the illegal graves on his land, and the tragically drowned schoolboy whose distraught parents make up a story to cast their son as a hero.  

Many of the stories Sprackland relates are tragic; perhaps these are more likely to endure and last longer than the crumbling headstones set up as memorials.  However her diligent research reveals that some of the stories are unreliable, even, shockingly, some of those within living memory.  The horror film cliché of swirling mist around the graveyard is symbolic of the obscurity caused by flaking inscriptions, abandoned tombs and histories fading or forgotten.  Although, this natural entropy contrarily has a comforting appeal, as the drama of death softens over time to lichen encrusted granite, ancient vegetation and the peaceful seclusion of a churchyard. 

There is an irresistible freshness and felicity to Sprackland’s prose befitting of a prize-winning poet and her close observation, sympathetic style and perceptive reflection make this a memorable and original book.

(Review by Andrew)