A Prayer For The Dying by Stewart O'Nan

Set in a post-Civil War Wisconsin town, the story follows Jacob Hansen, a Civil War veteran turned sheriff, preacher, and undertaker, as he grapples with a devastating diphtheria epidemic that threatens to annihilate his community. As the disease spreads, Jacob is torn between his duties to the townspeople and his own family, leading him to confront moral dilemmas and the fragility of faith. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, duty, and the haunting memories of war, painting a poignant picture of a man struggling to maintain order and hope in the face of overwhelming despair.

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