"Searing . . . McFarland is particularly adept at the small moments of which heartbreak is made: a shattered teapot; Sarah's attempt to find solace in Malcolm's closet; and her Brazilian housekeeper's hard-edged efforts to nudge her into healing.'You have no light, ' the maid observes. But "Singing Boy does"."–Joanne Kaufman, "People"
"Its sophisticated and subtle analysis of each character's grief and resolution is compelling. Highly recommended."–"Library Journal"
"The author is acutely sensitive to mourning's nuances of speech and variation in motives, but humorous overtones temper the novel's somberness . . . McFarland tenderly addresses timeless issues of death and remembrance."–"Publishers Weekly"
"Well worth reading for its profound and unsentimental exploration of the grieving process."–"Kirkus Review"
"[McFarland] tells a story that is moving and powerful."–Carolyn Kubisz, "Booklist"
