The Brief History of the Dead
by By Brockmeier, Kevin
Category: Fiction , Literary

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.