The brief history of the dead (The Brief History of the Dead - Kevin Brockmeier)

Member Name: artypants

Product:	The Brief History of the Dead - Kevin Brockmeier
Date:	02/02/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great concept

Disadvantages: Concepts were under developed

I was immediately attracted to the concept of this book. The concept is the idea that when you die you don't go straight to heaven necessarily, if you have people on earth who remember and had contact with you. You will go to the city which is like a second life. This concept is very intriguing and I wanted to know more about it.

The book not only follows the city where you go if you die but it also follows a character called Laura who is living and is currently fighting for her life in the dangerous conditions of Antarctica. She is on an expedition which she has been given by her workplace, coca cola.

The chapters skip from Laura to the residents of the city and back to Laura and so forth. This doesn't quite flow well as you encounter a different resident in the city, at every new chapter which is set in the city. It upheavals you at times and can lead to frustration. Frustrated because you begin to connect to the residents of the city and want to learn more about them and follow their journey. But a new chapter throws you in with a new resident and a new perspective.

The book had mind blowing concepts and ideas following throughout it but unfortunately these weren't developed at all. I was left wanting to know more and in disbelief that the writer left them hanging. The concepts were so good I just had know more. The need to know was so great and it was gutting not to be given the insight.

Overall, I found that this book didn't satisfy my needs and wants as the reader. Too many big events and concepts in the book were barely mentioned nor developed to a satisfying level. I was left frustrated and needing more from the author.

Summary: A great shame, huge potential but under developed.