Ann Kelley

The Burying Beetle

Things are not going well for 12-year-old Gussie. Her parents have just divorced. Her much loved grandparents recently died within days of each other. Her own life could end at any time, and she knows it. Gussie was born with a rare, life-threatening heart disease.

To reduce the strain on Gussie’s health, she and her mother move from London to a lonely cottage on the Cornish coast. With little else to do but read the old nature books found in the cottage, Gussie learns about the burying beetle. As she searches the countryside for the elusive insect, Gussie is forced to confront her mortality and, like the burying beetle, bury things past and live.

Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2006 for an outstanding first novel to a first-time writer of a book for young people. Rich in everyday disappointments and pleasures, THE BURYING BEETLE is an inspiring celebration of life.

The Burying Beetle
Ann Kelley
Luath Press
10+ years
200 pp
1 title
Proprietor: Luath Press
Rights Available: World English excl. UK