American Afterlives: Reinventing Death in the Twenty-First Century

Death in the US is undergoing a quiet revolution, with cremations doubling, DIY home funerals and green burials on the rise. Shannon Lee Dawdy's American Afterlives explores how Americans are reworking their ideas about personhood, ritual, and connection across generations, and confronts the contradiction that American death is becoming more materialistic and spiritual.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Death in the United States is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by a range of innovative and unconventional practices that challenge traditional notions of how we deal with the end of life. From the freezing and dissection of bodies to the composting and dissolution of remains, individuals are exploring diverse options to commemorate and honor their loved ones. Cremations have experienced a significant increase, while DIY home funerals and green burials are gaining popularity.

In her captivating book, "American Afterlives," Shannon Lee Dawdy delves into the evolving landscape of death practices in America, offering a lyrical and compassionate exploration of the changing attitudes and beliefs surrounding death. As an anthropologist and archaeologist, Dawdy brings a unique perspective to the subject, recognizing that how a society treats its dead provides valuable insights into its values and beliefs. Drawing from her personal experience of loss, she approaches the topic with empathy and honesty, challenging her own views about death and dying.

Through her journey across the United States, Dawdy engages with a diverse range of individuals, including funeral directors, death-care entrepreneurs, designers, cemetery owners, death doulas, and ordinary people from various walks of life. What emerges is a profound realization that by reinventing death, Americans are reimagining their ideas about personhood, ritual, and intergenerational connection. Dawdy explores the seemingly contradictory phenomenon of American death becoming both more materialistic and more spiritual, highlighting the complex and multifaceted ways in which people are navigating this profound transition.

"American Afterlives" is not merely a scholarly work; it is also a visually stunning testament to the rapidly changing attitudes toward death and the afterlife. Accompanied by stunning images by cinematographer Daniel Zox, the book offers a visual representation of the diverse practices and perspectives that shape our understanding of death today. The images capture the emotional and spiritual dimensions of these practices, providing a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of American afterlife traditions.

In conclusion, "American Afterlives" is a thought-provoking and deeply moving exploration of the changing face of death in contemporary life. Through her lyrical and compassionate narrative, Shannon Lee Dawdy offers a profound insight into the complex and multifaceted ways in which Americans are confronting their own mortality and seeking new ways to honor and commemorate their loved ones. The book serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of profound change, and it encourages us to reexamine our own beliefs and attitudes toward death and the afterlife.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691254708