The Spare Room. 

by Helen  Garner, Australian author.

A small novel by this well known writer and typical of her honest and open approach to the characters. This time, a dying woman friend comes to stay.  A heart breaking story line and I waited for relief from  sorrow which came as I discovered their loving sharing friendship.

At last my ordered book from Libby arrived.  Steven Lovatt's Birdsong in a Time of Silence.  This book is set now, 2020, in confusing Lockdown days with the open chapter - The Strangest Spring.