I've read about, and seen documentaries about hoarders that have died surrounded by the trash piled to the ceilings and beyond in their homes. I had to feel for Maisie but also count her lucky that Clifford wasn't a "messy hoarder"...some might even call him a "collector" whose collections got out of hand. Now Maisie has to deal with not only widowhood but his broken "treasures". The plot is simple and it takes the reader on a delightful journey as Maisie strives to put her house back in order. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a well written, well told tale. ( )

This book begins with Maisie's husband meeting an untimely end, leaving Maisie to figure out what to do with their enormous home stuffed with every sort of odd bit that Clifford had lugged home from sales and dumps, always with the intention of fixing up each downtrodden item. Along the way, she discovers that among Clifford's hoard of broken furniture and tools and mountains of newspapers lies a secret long buried that she must uncover in order to come to terms with her new life. ( )

After Maisie's husband, Clifford, dies in a tragic accident at home, she decides to clear out his clutter, his hoarding obsession, 'things which maybe useful when fixed'. As she wades through all the junk which has taken over her house, she comes across some boxes, the contents of which Clifford kept secret although Maisie has always been aware of them. Just what is in these boxes and is it the key to Clifford's past and why he was as he was?

This is an intriguing story and gives a good insight into the mind of a compulsive hoarder. It's told mainly from the point of view of Maisie but is interspersed with Clifford's eloquent and sometimes touching thoughts.

A well written tale and, at times, quite witty, it made me laugh and it also made me a little sad. The narrative is very vivid and descriptive. There are some interesting and realistic characters, some of whom can be compared to those we know in our own lives. Maisie is my favourite and I love that she starts to come out of her shell and enjoy life. The tale flows beautifully and it kept my attention throughout. By the end of the book I had guessed what one of secrets was. Nevertheless there are a few twists and turns and it keeps you wondering just who Clifford was and what led him to obsess so.

An absorbing, thought-provoking and poignant story which I very much enjoyed. I look forward to reading more about Maisie's adventures in the future! ( )