A family already struggling is ung headlong apart from each other in grief….

In this atmospheric novella, the mysterious Plankton Collector visits members of a family torn apart by grief and regret. He comes in different guises. For ten-year old Mary, he is Mr Smith who takes her on a train journey to the seaside. Her mother, Rose, meets him as Stephen, by her son’s graveside. Rose’s youngest, Bunny, encounters him as the gardener. For husband and father David, meanwhile, the meeting is with a love from his youth. And long-lost Uncle Barnaby takes the children for a week’s holiday during which their parents begin a reconciliation.

A wound will heal, and knit them back together….

All visitors are manifestations of the Plankton Collector who teaches those he encounters the difference between the discarded weight of unhappy memories and the lightness borne by happiness recalled.

‘A brilliantly evoked examination of memory and innocence… delivers
a kaleidoscope of compelling voices united by a spectral visitor, not from the heights, but the apparent depths. Haunting.’ James Clammer, author of Why I Went Back

‘A delicate paean for coming together, full of understanding for the quirks and pitfalls and ultimate goodness in human nature.’ Mavis Cheek

‘Cath Barton tells the story… with a lyrical voice that is very much her own. This beautifully structured novella leads the reader to a resolution that is both moving and deeply satisfying.’ Francesca Rhydderch, author of The Rice Paper Diaries

In haunting, exquisite prose the author explores the disconnects that exist within families as each deals with the internal difficulties inherent in life as it progresses. Moments of happiness can be overshadowed by loss, yet it is the former that should be granted attention and treasured… In this short novella a world has been conjured that recognises the depths of unhappiness yet offers hope. It reminds that reactions when grieving are neither uniform nor prescriptive, but that individuals, once known, are never entirely lost. Jackie Law, @followthehens

‘As light and fleeting as a happy memory… caring and heart-warming… about people with memories we could all share. It will resonate deeply with anyone who has been through trauma. But anyone who has longed for happier, simpler times will find nostalgic memories becoming lighter too.’ James Lloyd, The Cardiff Review

‘Utterly convincing… so that the reader steps easily into the story, watching the characters" lives unfold at close quarters, hoping and yearning with them. The last few sentences brought me to tears. We all need our own Plankton Collector.’ Robin Walker, amazon.co.uk

‘Unusual and skillfully crafted tale… filled with sublime descriptive language that has left lasting images in my mind.’ Clement, amazon.co.uk

‘Poetic… skilful… a heart-breaking picture of love, regret, loss and ultimate reconciliation. Thoroughly recommended.’ Martin, amazon.co.uk

‘Effortlessly creates a heady mixture of mid-century real world and magical realism.’ Sheesh, amazon.co.uk

‘There’s a flow to the language which is like… rocking gently in a boat… the characters are drawn with such subtly, honesty, and compassion. Even though the central event of the book is coming to terms with death, it was… the quiet disintegration and equally quiet rebuilding of a marriage… that had me riveted…. a short, utterly original, very human, marvelous book.’ H Hewett, amazon.com