Set in a rural English village, In the Springtime of the Year is an astonishingly acute novel built around young Ruth Bryce's struggle to cope with the swift and accidental death of her husband, Ben. Suddenly alone, Ruth must face not only the agony of Ben's absence, but must also contend with his nearby family, who views her with suspicion and hostility. Her sole companion is Ben's fourteen-year-old brother, who understands Ruth's quiet determination to emerge from the tragedy with her integrity and independence intact. Hill's graceful and adept portrayal of a young woman's ability to colelct herself, by herself, in the face of oppressive circumstances, is the force behind this novel.