Death Prefers the Minor Keys

Death Prefers the Minor Keys is a memoir-like prose sequence by Sean Thomas Dougherty that reflects on disability, chronic illness, addiction, survival, love, and parenthood. It includes collaged prose poems, stories, and essays full of dreams, metaphors,aphorisms, parables, and narratives of Dougherty's work as a caregiver. The book explores issues of labor, the ontology of disability, and the mysticism of life, and is ultimately a love letter to Dougherty's wife.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: BOA Editions, Limited

In his remarkable twentieth book, "Death Prefers the Minor Keys," Sean Thomas Dougherty weaves a captivating memoir-like prose sequence that delves into the profound realms of disability, chronic illness, addiction, survival, love, and parenthood. Spanning a significant portion of its composition, the book was initially crafted on the backs of medical forms during Dougherty's time as a third-shift medical technician, showcasing the raw and authentic essence of his experiences.

Within the pages of "Death Prefers the Minor Keys," Dougherty presents the reader with a rich tapestry of collaged prose poems, stories, and essays, brimming with dreams, metaphors, aphorisms, parables, and narratives that intricately explore his life as a caregiver. These captivating portraits of Dougherty's residents, interspersed with a series of letters to Death, invocations of Jewish ancestry through the captivating photography of Roman Vishniac, imaginative treatments for brain injuries, and half-translated short stories that blend reality and imagination, create a vibrant and diverse collection.

Through these diverse narratives, Dougherty delves into profound issues of labor, the ontology of disability, and the mysticism of life. "Death Prefers the Minor Keys" emerges as a heartfelt love letter to Dougherty's wife, celebrating her unwavering courage and profound complicity in the face of long-term illness and addiction. It is through her resilience and support that Dougherty finds solace and inspiration, ultimately revealing how the antidote to despair can be found in the daily acts of caring for other human beings.

In conclusion, "Death Prefers the Minor Keys" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. Sean Thomas Dougherty's wordsmithing takes the reader on a profound journey, offering insights, empathy, and hope as he explores the intricacies of life, disability, and the human experience. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the human condition and the profound impact of compassion and care.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 133 x 203 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781960145062