The Dead I know

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School / Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

In this psychodrama, Aaron Rowe is clearly struggling -- with nightmares and sleepwalking, the worsening dementia of his "Mam," his difficulty communicating with the living, and his bullying caravan park neighbors. John Barton (the JKB of JKB Funerals) takes Aaron under his wing -- buying him a suit, lending him a tie, and showing him the ropes of retrieving bodies, building coffins, preparing bodies for burial or cremation, and holding services for families. As Aaron learns to trust John, the nightmares begin to loosen their grip. This is a story of loss and love that will stay with readers long after they finish.

Overall Book Score: excellent