The Great Read: When Grief Came for the Gravedigger
In pursuit of an interesting life, he came face to face with death.
The New York Times
The Great Read

February 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

A hill covered in brown grass and brown foliage. A bench and a gravesite ringed with logs are in the foreground.

Mike Belleme for The New York Times

When Grief Came for the Gravedigger

In pursuit of an interesting life, he came face to face with death.

Open now

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for top stories or great reads from The New York Times.

To stop receiving The Great Read, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

Zeta LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018