Milford, Michigan

Thomas's hometown and setting of many of the book's major events.

West Clare, Moveen Townland, Ireland

The town in Ireland where Thomas's cousins Tommy and Nora lived; it is also where Thomas maintains his great-great-grandfather's home to this day, and where he lives part of the year.

The Huron River and the Oak Grove Bridge

The Huron River runs through the middle of Milford and the Oak Grove Bridge that crossed it once fell apart, only to be rebuilt.

The Midwinter Conference

A conference, usually in the West Antilles, held by funeral directors in Michigan. Thomas's parents usually went and he does too.

Lynch and Sons Funeral Home

The funeral home founded by Thomas's father that he runs to the present day.

Funerals

As a funeral director, Thomas has organized and attended many funerals.

Redemptive Suffering

Thomas's mother was a devout Catholic who saw suffering as...