Books matching: cultural attitudes towards death
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'Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul' by Stephen Jenkinson is a profound exploration of death and dying in Western culture. Jenkinson delves into the spiritual despair and terror surrounding death, urging readers to embrace dying and grief in order to live well. Through poetic language and thought-provoking insights, the book challenges societal norms and offers a new perspective on mortality. Jenkinson's writing style is described as compelling, engaging, and filled with deep wisdom, making readers reflect on their own existence and the meaning of life.
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Save:'Necropolis: London and Its Dead' by Catharine Arnold delves into the history of burial practices and cemeteries in London. It explores the gruesome yet intriguing aspects of London's dead, from body snatching to the development of cremation. The narrative is a mix of historical facts and anecdotes, describing the challenges posed by the sheer number of burials in a growing city and the impact of major events like plagues and wars on burial practices. Arnold's writing style is described as skillful and historically accurate, focusing on the macabre yet fascinating history of London's graveyards.
High above London stands one of the city’s oldest burial grounds. The Bronze Age tumulus on Parliament Hill Fields predates Kensal Green and Highgate cemeteries by over 4,000 years. This tumulus, whic... "In the Slender Margin: The Intimate Strangeness of Dying" by Eve Joseph is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of death and dying. The author shares her personal journey of loss and death, drawing from her years of hospice work and reflections on the death of her brother. Through a mix of personal experiences and research on different cultures' perspectives on death, Joseph weaves a narrative that is both intimate and insightful. The writing style is poetic, with references to historical, artistic, and literary elements that add depth to the exploration of this difficult subject.
I had just turned twelve when my brother was killed in a car accident. In 1965, the year Allen Ginsberg coined the term flower power and Malcolm X was shot dead inside Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom, the y...- #4
Save:The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel that offers a biting commentary on the burial traditions and funeral industry in California, particularly in Hollywood. The plot revolves around Dennis Barlow, a British poet who finds himself entangled in a love triangle with Aimee Thanatogenos, a cosmetician at Whispering Glades Memorial Park, and Mr. Joyboy, the head mortician. Through absurd and humorous situations, Waugh skewers the American way of death, exploring themes of vapidness, broken systems, and cultural differences between the British ex-pat community and American society.
The novel is praised for its incisive satire, dark humor, and sharp wit in exposing the absurdity of American funeral customs and Hollywood society. Waugh's writing style is described as economical yet impactful, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating vivid, flawed characters that add depth to the humorous narrative.
All day the heat had been barely supportable but at evening a breeze arose in the west, blowing from the heart of the setting sun and from the ocean, which lay unseen, unheard behind the scrubby footh... - #5
Save:'In the Midst of Life' by Jennifer Worth reflects on the author's experiences with the dying and changing approaches to death in modern society. Worth delves into the medical profession's advancements in prolonging life, leading to ethical dilemmas and a more clinical view of death. Through anecdotes and reflections, Worth explores the importance of accepting death as a natural part of life and the significance of providing compassionate care to the terminally ill.
My grandfather died in 1956 at the age of eighty-six. I loved him deeply and was very close to him. I saw very little of my father during the war, and in the years after. Every girl needs a man in her... - #6
Save:"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role... - #7
Save:'The American Way of Death' by Jessica Mitford is a groundbreaking expose of the funeral industry in America. Mitford meticulously researched and presented the facts about how the industry capitalizes on people's grief to make extraordinary profits from expensive funerals. The book sheds light on the manipulative marketing techniques used by funeral directors, the exorbitant costs associated with funerals, and the emotional vulnerabilities of individuals during times of loss.
Mitford's writing style is described as informative, eye-opening, and occasionally strident. Readers found the book to be enlightening and thought-provoking, even though some parts were considered dated due to the era in which it was written. Despite being published in the early sixties, the book remains relevant and serves as a perfect review of the funeral industry's practices, urging readers to be informed and cautious when dealing with funeral arrangements.
