The Brief History of the Dead

From Kevin Brockmeier, one of this generation's most inventive young writers, comes a striking new novel about death, life, and the mysterious place in between.

The City is inhabited by those who have departed Earth but are still remembered by the living. They will reside in this afterlife until they are completely forgotten. But the City is shrinking, and the residents clearing out. Some of the holdouts, like Luka Sims, who produces the City's only newspaper, are wondering what exactly is going on. Others, like Coleman Kinzler, believe it is the beginning of the end. Meanwhile, Laura Byrd is trapped in an Antarctic research station, her supplies are running low, her radio finds only static, and the power is failing. With little choice, Laura sets out across the ice to look for help, but time is running out. Kevin Brockmeier alternates these two storylines to create a lyrical and haunting story about love, loss and the power of memory.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Vintage
Published: 01/09/2007
ISBN: 9781400095957
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.20w x 0.90d

Review Citations: New York Times 02/18/2007 pg. 28
Christian Century 10/17/2012 pg. 61

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 108718 / Brief History of the Dead
Reading Level: 6.9 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 14