"The Life We Bury" by Allen Eskens follows the story of Joe Talbert, a college student assigned to write a biography for his class. Joe chooses to interview Carl Iverson, a dying convict who was incarcerated for a crime he claims he did not commit. As Joe delves into Carl's past, he uncovers layers of complexity surrounding the murder case, intertwined with his own family struggles, including an alcoholic mother and an autistic brother. The plot is a mix of mystery, redemption, and family dynamics, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged till the end.
The narrative style of the book alternates between suspenseful mystery and heartfelt storytelling, weaving together the lives of Joe, Carl, and other characters in a compelling manner. The author skillfully tackles themes of responsibility, love, and the search for truth, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores the impact of past actions on present lives. Through the exploration of Joe's journey to uncover the truth about Carl's past, the book offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the quest for redemption.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The story contains potential triggers including discussions of murder, rape, alcoholism, and abuse, especially in the context of family dynamics.
Has Romance?
There is a developing romantic subplot between Joe and Lila, which adds layers to the character development but is not the central focus of the story.
From The Publisher:
A USA Today bestseller and book club favorite!
College student Joe Talbert has the modest goal of completing a writing assignment for an English class. His task is to interview a stranger and write a brief biography of the person. With deadlines looming, Joe heads to a nearby nursing home to find a willing subject. There he meets Carl Iverson, and soon nothing in Joe's life is ever the same. Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran-and a convicted murderer. With only a few months to live, he has been medically paroled to a nursing home, after spending thirty years in prison for the crimes of rape and murder. As Joe writes about Carl's life, especially Carl's valor in Vietnam, he cannot reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable acts of the convict. Joe, along with his skeptical female neighbor, throws himself into uncovering the truth, but he is hamstrung in his efforts by having to deal with his dangerously dysfunctional mother, the guilt of leaving his autistic brother vulnerable, and a haunting childhood memory. Thread by thread, Joe unravels the tapestry of Carl's conviction. But as he and Lila dig deeper into the circumstances of the crime, the stakes grow higher. Will Joe discover the truth before it's too late to escape the fallout?
Ratings (11)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (5) | |
Liked It (3) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (20):
Read It (12) | |
Want To Read (7) | |
Not Interested (1) |
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