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An obituary writer makes a grave error in John Kenney's 'I See You've Called in Dead'
Apr 14, 2025
John Kenney, author and New Yorker contributor, discusses his novel 'I See You've Called in Dead', featuring Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who mistakenly publishes his own death notice after a drunken night. The conversation explores the absurdity of facing one’s mortality, as Bud begins attending strangers' funerals, revealing the power of connection and friendship. Kenney also shares personal insights on balancing humor and grief, inspired by his late brother, and the complexities of capturing life in obituaries.
08:47
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the comedic yet poignant impact of writing obituaries, reflecting on encapsulating life stories in brief narratives.
- John Kenney's discussion highlights the intersection of humor and mortality, revealing how attending funerals inspires personal reflection and connection.
Deep dives
The Art of Writing Obituaries
The podcast delves into the unique challenges of writing obituaries, underscoring the difficulty of capturing a person's life in just a few paragraphs. John Kenny's novel features a protagonist who, inspired by his experiences as an obituary writer, makes the bold move of writing his own obituary. This act serves not only as a comedic twist but also illuminates the character's internal struggles and his journey through life after divorce. The discussion highlights how obituaries can be a fascinating narrative form that distills immense personal history into concise, impactful writing.
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