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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
This book pulled me in from the first page and I read it all in one day. It's a bit hard to review without spoilers, and I'd like other readers to share my surprise at the unfolding of the story, so I'll keep this review vague. The book essentially follows two story lines (told in alternating chapters). One is about the afterlife, and the other is about survival in a very extreme and dangerous situation. The book is well written, the characters are compelling, and both story lines are filled with suspense and provocative ideas.
I would compare my experience of reading this book with my experience of reading What Dreams May Come, although each of these books has a very different tone. For me, the similarity is not about the writing but more that both books encourages a positive view of the afterlife while simultaneously encouraging us to live out our time in our early bodies to the fullest.
I would compare my experience of reading this book with my experience of reading What Dreams May Come, although each of these books has a very different tone. For me, the similarity is not about the writing but more that both books encourages a positive view of the afterlife while simultaneously encouraging us to live out our time in our early bodies to the fullest.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I'm just a sucker for books about the afterlife. Alternating stories between The City - where the recently departed reside, and a solitary woman in Antarctica. I won't spoil the connection. I devoured it and adored the concept.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
I really liked this book...at first. Then it began to drag...and drag...and pick up a bit...and end on a semi-interesting note. The premise is great, the execution is good, but the overall story leaves something to be desired.
I had problems with The Brief History of the Dead. Mostly, that it should have been a short story or novella. Also, the final death scene went on way too long. Also, blaming corporations like Coca-Cola for the end of the world seems a little whistleblowing-liberal self-righteous in a way that I don't appreciate. But: the idea is fascinating, and the (temporary) afterlife Brockmeier creates is inspired.
I think this book had a great concept to work with. It was well-written, with a dream-like quality to a lot of it. But I would have liked to see more done with the concept. The antarctic sequences also got a bit tedious at times. But overall I did enjoy the book.
This is a bit of a downer of a book. It is beautifully written and there is a sense of hope at the end. Of course, I have questions. Like if your soul or ghost lives on if someone remembers you, then why do the people you remember disappear because that opens all kinds of issues.
The two stories are linked and since my above question is slightly spoiler, I clicked the spoiler tab. It will make an excellent read for anyone who likes reading about polar explorers, and I like how not all the questions are answered.
Read for Armageddon square
The two stories are linked and since my above question is slightly spoiler, I clicked the spoiler tab. It will make an excellent read for anyone who likes reading about polar explorers, and I like how not all the questions are answered.
Read for Armageddon square