At the end of her long life, Elinor Caskey prepares to say goodbye to Perdido and to the family she has united, enriched, and nurtured. But Elinor's death unleashes a tragedy held in check for 60 years, and the town itself may not survive her.

At the end of her long life, Elinor Caskey prepares to say goodbye to Perdido and to the family she has united, enriched, and nurtured. But Elinor's death unleashes a tragedy held in check for 60 years, and the town itself may not survive her.