Words by Freya Bennett
In this chaotic world, we need quiet stories—ones about real people, especially those who don’t usually get the spotlight. Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is exactly that: a tender, heartwarming story of an elderly woman who has quietly decided she’s ready to die—until a little friend enters her world and changes everything.
What follows is a moving meditation on grief, companionship, and the quiet power of community. In a time saturated with loud heroes and high drama, Sipsworth offers something far more profound: the story of a disconnected, isolated woman slowly (and reluctantly) being drawn back into connection by those around her. It’s a gentle reminder of the lengths we go to protect those who can’t protect themselves—and how sometimes, we’re the ones who need a little care.
Van Booy’s prose is exquisite—so beautiful it often made me pause and sigh. While the premise could have veered into saccharine territory, his writing grounds the story in reality, warmth, and quiet hope. It’s the perfect book for those getting back into reading: short, uplifting, and written with such tenderness that it lingers long after the final page.
Sipsworth is a beautiful, important reminder to be open to connection, to being there for someone, or allowing someone to be there for you.
