1880s France and a young man from the country is commissioned to clear Les Innocents cemetery in Paris.   Loosely based on historical fact this novel is dark but very enjoyable.  The writing is incredibly descriptive and whilst this is often adds to the charm of this book, it is a little cumbersome at times.  The plot is engaging and unusual although it tails off a bit towards the end. 
As this is an ostensibly French novel one feels able to bring up the thorny gender issue. If I were French and in charge of that sort of thing (which surely I would be if I were French), this book would be 'le'. It is masculine. So whilst I enjoyed it, I imagine a man would enjoy it more. And this isn't sexist  - it's just French grammar.