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)…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

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.

If you love The Secret Life of a Cemetery...

Ad

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Secret Life of a Cemetery?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Secret Life of a Cemetery.

Browse books like The Secret Life of a Cemetery

Book cover of Around the World in 80 Graves
Book cover of We'll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down
Book cover of Somebody Is Walking on Your Grave

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,278

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Secret Life of a Cemetery, you might also like...

Book cover of Partner Pursuit

Partner Pursuit by Kathy Strobos,

Take one workaholic lawyer with six months to secure her promotion to law firm partner. Add an attractive, fun-loving neighbor next door who makes her laugh and tempts her with a different life. Is this a recipe for love or disaster?

Partner Pursuit is a vibrant, fun rom-com that…

Book cover of Cold Warrior

Cold Warrior by Robert Tucker,

During the 1970s and 80s, the Soviet Union penetrated the corporate economy and financial systems of the United States to engage in industrial espionage.

Cold Warrior is the story of Kasia Kerenski, a street mime who is “discovered” to work as a Hollywood actress. Coerced into becoming a double agent…

5 book lists we think you will like!