The Gravedigger by William Baer

Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely sweeps you off your feet and transports you to another world. For me, The Gravedigger by William Baer was that kind of magical reading experience. From the very first page, I was captivated by the story of Polly Kinnell, a New York City chocolate taster who unexpectedly falls for a mysterious Scottish gravedigger. What unfolds is an unforgettable tale of star-crossed love, devastating loss, and the lengths we’ll go to save the ones we hold most dear.

A Delectable Premise

When we first meet Polly, she’s living a sweet life (pun intended) as a renowned chocolate taster, sampling confections for the likes of Ghirardelli, Godiva, and Hershey. But her world is turned upside down when her beloved father passes away on the remote Island of Skye. Polly travels to Scotland for the funeral, where a series of chance encounters with the handsome but enigmatic local gravedigger Ian MacIan leaves her unsettled. There’s an undeniable attraction between them, but Ian is bound by ancient traditions and a sacred calling to “bury the dead.” Still, neither can deny the connection they share.

Tragedy soon strikes and a terrible car crash leaves Ian comatose and at death’s door. Faced with the prospect of losing her soulmate, Polly must search her heart and decide what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of love. Can she embrace Ian’s way of life and make the ultimate commitment required to save him? You’ll have to read this beautifully crafted novel to find out, but trust me, you’ll be savoring every delicious moment.

Vivid Characters That Leap Off the Page

One of Baer’s greatest strengths as a writer is his ability to bring characters to life in full technicolor. Polly sparkles as the story’s clever, passionate and determined heroine. You can’t help but root for her on her romantic and spiritual journey, even as her world is shaken to its core. Ian too leaps off the page as the strong, soulful Scotsman torn between duty and desire. The push-pull of their relationship, and the sacrifices they both must consider, form the poignant heart of the story.

But it’s not just the two leads who are vividly drawn. We’re treated to a rich cast of secondary characters, from Polly’s firecracker best friend Rickie, to the wise old priest Father Buchanan, to Ian’s neurodiverse cousin Jimmy who possesses an almost mystical knack for remembering inspirational quotes. They’re quirky, lovable, and add such delightful texture to the story. It’s like Baer has invited us to an intimate gathering populated by warmly familiar faces.

You can clearly see the author’s screenwriting background coming through in the novel’s effortlessly visual storytelling. (Fun fact: Baer actually won the Jack Nicholson Screenwriting Award while studying at USC film school!) The Gravedigger by William Baer would make a phenomenal movie in the vein of magical realist romances like Just Like Heaven or Birth.

A Lushly Realized World You Can Taste, Smell and Touch

Another of the novel’s greatest pleasures is the transportive, multi-sensory world that Baer conjures. His evocative, carefully observed prose brings both the gritty streets of New York and the misty moors of Skye to vivid, palpable life. You can practically taste those luscious chocolates melting on your tongue as Polly does her tastings, smell the rich graveyard soil that Ian so reverently tends to, feel the icy sting of the Scottish winter on your face.

Baer did his research and it shows, from the fascinating particulars of the professional chocolate industry, to the haunting legends and landscapes of the Highlands. But he weaves in these details with a light touch, never sacrificing story for minutia. Instead it all builds a rich, immersive tapestry that pulls you in and holds you under its spell.

Romance, Recipes and Ruminations on What Matters Most

At its core, The Gravedigger by William Baer is an unabashedly romantic book—and I mean that in the biggest, boldest sense of the term. This is a story about love with a capital L. The kind of love that makes your heart race and ache by turns. The kind that calls on you to be your biggest, bravest self. And the kind that can, quite literally, it seems, conquer death. Ian and Polly’s journey is a breathtaking reminder of love’s awesome, soul-shaking power.

But as sweepingly romantic as the book is, Baer grounds it in earthy wisdom and relatable insights. Through his characters, he ruminates with great insight and sensitivity on grief, faith, sacrifice, and what gives a life meaning. And lest you think it’s all sturm and drang, there’s a lovely thread of sly humor woven throughout. Aspiring writers will definitely want to dog-ear the passages featuring Polly’s exchanges with her precocious kindergarten students!

As if the beguiling story wasn’t treat enough, the novel is also peppered with delectable nuggets of “chocolate wisdom” from Polly. Little quotes, trivia and anecdotes that will having you grinning with appreciation for the “food of the gods.” As chocolate fiend myself, these were most welcome! Speaking of, check out this excerpt from Polly’s brilliant explanation of the 4 main chocolate groups:

“Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles…. Chocolate was once known as ‘the food of the gods. It makes us happy, reduces stress, and gives us energy. It’s one of the most perfect things on earth. Like snowflakes, roses, diamonds, baseball, and love.”

Genius. I think I just found my life motto.

A Breathtaking Love Story for the Ages

I really can’t rave about this book enough. It’s the kind of big, juicy, emotionally transfixing read that you’ll want to share with all your friends immediately. A breathlessly page-turning plot paired with deep characterization, stunning storytelling, and enveloping atmosphere. The Gravedigger is an instant classic, destined to be read and reread by hopeful romantics for years to come.

My best advice: grab a nice box of chocolates, sink into your coziest reading chair, and prepare to get lost in this mesmerizing story for a few blissful hours. Just have some tissues handy, as Polly and Ian’s poignant journey will give your tear ducts a cathartic workout!

Trust me, once you fall under this novel’s enchanting spell, you won’t want to leave the captivating world Baer has conjured. I’m ready to book my flight to Skye to find my own brooding Scotsman gravedigger to swoon over! Something tells me I’m not alone in that. Don’t be surprised if you see “Gravedigger frenzy” hitting the zeitgeist after this gem of a book catches fire with readers.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard for me, as a reviewer, to find any “cons” to mention in the case of The Gravedigger. But if the concept of graveyard-centered love story doesn’t immediately grab you, I’d urge you to give this marvelous book a chance anyway. Allow yourself to get swept away by the staggering beauty of its emotion and its language. Let Polly and Ian’s epic romance wash over you and seep into your soul – you may just find it brightening your outlook on love, loss and what truly matters when all is said and done.

The Gravedigger is a crowning achievement from William Baer and a must-read for anyone who believes in the life-changing power of love. It’s the kind of singular, soul-shaking reading experience that you’ll cherish long after you’ve reluctantly turned the last page. A book to bask in, to get blissfully lost in, and to hold close to your heart.

Read it, relish it, and spread the word about this extraordinary novel. Fall in love with the sumptuous language, the riveting characters, and the reminder it holds for us all – Great love is always worth fighting for and its power can move mountains—or perhaps, gravestones.