'One of the great American authors at work today' New York Times ONE OF THE NEW YORKER 'S
BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR It is 1951. The close-knit community of Blowing Rock North Carolina
does not welcome those who are different. Jacob Hampton's wealthy parents disinherited him
when he married Naomi an uneducated hotel maid. Now Jacob has been called up to fight in Korea
leaving a pregnant Naomi behind. The only person he can trust to take care of her is his
lifelong friend Blackburn Gant. Blackburn who tends the local cemetery is an outsider too
his appearance irrevocably altered by childhood disease. Slowly the two outcasts grow closer
and as they await news of Jacob's return a terrible shattering act of deception derails all
their lives. But no secret can stay hidden for ever. Tender and luminous with truth The
Caretaker is a riveting story about the bonds of friendship the contradictions of family and
what it really means to love.
