Housekeeping

Marilynne Robinson

Ruth and Lucille are orphans in the desolate lakeside town of Fingerbone: the same lake where their grandfather died in a spectacular train wreck and their mother drove off a cliff. Abandoned by a succession of relatives, the sisters find themselves in the care of Sylvie, their enigmatic aunt. Over time, the sisters grow up, and apart - until they must discover what it truly means to escape.

One of the Observer's 100 Greatest Novels of All Time.