Laura Byrd is in trouble. Three weeks ago she and her friends found themselves alone in one of the coldest, most remote places on earth. Her friends set out in search of help, and now Laura realises that they are not coming back. So she gathers her remaining supplies and sets out on an extraordinary journey. Meanwhile in another city, more and more people arrive every day. Each has a different story to tell, but their accounts have one thing in common -- it was their final journey. For this is the city of the dead. And the ...
Read More
Laura Byrd is in trouble. Three weeks ago she and her friends found themselves alone in one of the coldest, most remote places on earth. Her friends set out in search of help, and now Laura realises that they are not coming back. So she gathers her remaining supplies and sets out on an extraordinary journey. Meanwhile in another city, more and more people arrive every day. Each has a different story to tell, but their accounts have one thing in common -- it was their final journey. For this is the city of the dead. And the link between this city and Laura's journey lies at the heart of Kevin Brockmeier's remarkable novel. 'The Brief History of the Dead' tells a magical story about our lives -- about our place in the world, our connections with each other, and what happens to us all after our deaths. It is a story of spellbinding power and imagination, which resonates long after the final page.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $14.84, good condition, Sold by HR1Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, HEREFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray.
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $14.94, good condition, Sold by Goldstone Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ammanford, CARMS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray Publishers Ltd.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $15.99, good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $16.79, good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $18.68, very good condition, Sold by The Guru Bookshop rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, WALES, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray.
Add this copy of The Brief History of the Dead to cart. $22.36, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by John Murray.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover.
When I first picked up "The Brief History of the Dead" I had my doubts about whether or not I would like the book. The plot had potential, but could have very easily been turned into a tacky and unpleasant read on life after death. I decided I would give the book a chance, and I am so glad that I did. The title didn't lie, the book was indeed brief, requiring only a few hours to finish. In the novel, there is the world of the living and the world of the dead, simply known as "the City". Before arriving in the City, the dead must complete "the crossing", which is different for every person and beautifully described by Brockmeier. When the dead come to the city they attain jobs, and live much the same as they had on earth. The City is always expanding and changing to accommodate the residents, but the dead do not stay in the City indefinitely. As long as they endured in the memory of living people, they would remain in the City. The story focuses mainly on the characters of Luka Sims, who produces a newspaper for the dead, and Laura Byrd, one of the living. There is also insight into the thoughts and lives of many of the other dead. When the dead begin to mysteriously disappear as quickly as they arrive, Luka begins to investigate and soon discovers something devastating and tragic. The book alternates between the City and the living world, and everything and everyone ties together in small yet significant ways. The reader begins to see connections between things, and it really makes for a great and fascinating read. Not only is the plot intriguing, but the writing is really diverse, changing from beautifully descriptive writing to raw dialogue that fits each character and location and mood. The subject may be touchy for some, especially since different religions or people have various beliefs on life after death, but I think part of what makes this book so great is that it manages to entertain and inspire without offending or making any actual religious affiliation, even though there are mentions of heaven and hell. It isn't hard to find the words and ideas beautiful and moving. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an unforgettable and interesting work of fiction!
