The Paris Review S4E12 | Concerning the Future of Souls, by Joy Williams
Mar 20, 2024
Explore themes of souls, memories, and self-reflection in a collection of stories following Azrael, the angel of death. Reflect on life, change, and philosophical dialogues while delving into the concept of transcendence and the enigmatic journey of the soul. Follow characters grappling with the cycle of death and regeneration, culminating in a moving conversation about burial wishes and a shared vision.
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Near-Death Experience
- A young girl, after a near-death experience caused by a surfboard accident, becomes convinced she is depersonalized.
- She recalls the common NDE tropes: the light, the tunnel, the out-of-body experience, and the eventual return.
Azrael's Appearance
- Azrael, the angel of death, has a magnificent appearance with thousands of wings and eyes, used to shield souls in transit.
- He is unlike common depictions and has limited interaction with Jesus, who is surprisingly unfamiliar with death.
Soul Transmigration
- Souls are not newly created with each birth but transmigrate between bodies.
- Azrael's transport of souls is a silent, wonder-struck journey.