Rules for Being Dead

In the late 1960s, a ten-year-old boy named Clarke loses his mother in McKinney, Texas. Trapped between life and death, she searches for a glimpse of her final moments on earth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: John F Blair Publisher

Kim Powers' captivating and mesmerizing novel, Rules for Being Dead, is a captivating blend of the finest elements from Shirley Jackson, Alice Sebold, and Fannie Flagg. The story unfolds in the late 1960s in McKinney, Texas, where a young boy named Clarke is captivated by the movies, particularly James Bond, My Fair Lady, Alfie, and Dr. Zhivago. These films fuel his dreams and obsessions, and he finds solace in the handsome boy in the projector booth. However, Clarke's world is turned upside down when he loses his beloved mother, and no one is willing or able to tell him how she died. Trapped between life and death, Clarke's mother is floating above the trees and movie screens of McKinney, searching for a glimpse of her final moments on earth. Determined to uncover the shattering truth, Clarke embarks on a journey that is darkly humorous and incredibly moving.

The novel explores themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Clarke's journey is filled with emotional highs and lows, as he grapples with the loss of his mother and the mysteries surrounding her death. Powers' writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of humor that adds depth and complexity to the characters and the story. The novel also delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly the bond between Clarke and his father, who is struggling to cope with the loss of his wife.

Rules for Being Dead is a haunting and unforgettable tale that will leave readers pondering the nature of life, death, and the power of love and memory. It is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally charged story.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949467857