Tap cover to enlarge

The Brief History of the Dead

Published
Feb 2006
Main Genre
General Fiction General Fiction
Rating
Pages
272

About This Book

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.

Genres & Themes

Buy This Book

Formats & Editions

Browse the different covers, formats, and publication history for this title.

Paperback

Paperback edition cover
Trade Paperback
Jan 2007 Vintage ISBN 1400095956
Buy
Paperback edition cover
Paperback
Jan 2001 John Murray Publishers ISBN 0719568307
Buy

Hardcover

Hardcover edition cover
Hardcover
First Edition Feb 2006 Pantheon (UK) ISBN 0375423699
Buy

eBook

eBook edition cover
eBook
Feb 2006 Vintage ISBN B000FCKPGC
Buy
eBook edition cover
eBook
Feb 2006 Knopf ISBN 0375424237
Buy
eBook edition cover
eBook
Feb 2006 John Murray ISBN 1848546319
Buy

Audio

Audio edition cover
Audio CD
Feb 2006 Recorded Books ISBN 141937169X
Buy
Audio edition cover
Audible
Mar 2006 Recorded Books ISBN B000F0UUFU
Buy
Audio edition cover
Audio CD
Nov 2006 Recorded Books ISBN 1419369091
Buy

Large Print

Large Print edition cover
Hardcover
Jul 2006 Thorndike Press ISBN 0786287535
Buy