Wendell and Frank are an elderly gay couple. Wendell is a taxidermist who meets Frank when he returns to their small town after the end of World War II. The story begins with Frank suffering a stroke while out tending his tomato plants. Through multiple flashbacks we learn the story of how Wendell and Frank first met and their illicit and, back then, illegal love affair. After the death of Frank's mother, he and Wendell and a series of dogs settle in a secluded house outside of town and live a very closeted life together. Frank works in a local factory and Wendell runs his taxidermy shop. Frank's stroke changes the dynamics of their decades old relationship as Frank fights the disabilities and depression he is left with. Wendell adopts a Bassett Hound mix named Daisy which helps to bring Frank back to life. They learn to adjust their lives with Daisy in tow. This book is touching, humorous, and is a realistic, well written, if heartbreaking story. In many ways it reminds me of the novels of Reynolds Price.
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