Book cover of The Secret Life of a Cemetery

Book description


'The Secret Life of a Cemetery is no maudlin reflection on death and remembrance...With its fox cubs and anecdotes (it) allows us a privileged glimpse of Gallot's world, full of wonder and life.'-The Observer

From the head curator of the most famous cemetery in the world-a moving and "enchanting" (Guardian)…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Secret Life of a Cemetery as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Père-Lachaise was the second international cemetery I ever visited. It made me fall in love with the cemetery's history, celebrities, and amazing sculptures.

Those things are all touched on in this charming little book, written and photographed by the cemetery's curator. I'm fascinated by the author's complicated and varied job: from showing foreign dignitaries around to comforting families and arranging burials to dealing with international tourists who want to treat the cemetery like Disneyland.

Of course, he's compensated by living with his family inside the cemetery itself. It's difficult not to be jealous of such a sweet gig.

From Loren's list on cemetery memoirs.

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