The Funny Thing About Death

The Funny Thing About Death is a hilarious memoir of two unconventional girls growing up in the 1970s, navigating Annie's illness and learning how to behave when someone you love gets sick. Jo Caulfield's caustic wit and razor-sharp observations make the account entertaining and touching.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

Six years ago, Jo Caulfield was about to embark on a nationwide comedy tour when she received the devastating news that her beloved big sister, Annie, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was certainly not the ideal way to kick off such a significant endeavor, but to Jo's surprise, the tour turned out to be a much-needed source of solace and support for both sisters. As Jo traveled from one hotel to another, along with Annie, they relived their childhood and adolescence, navigating Annie's illness with resilience and learning valuable lessons about how to behave when someone they love faces a health crisis.

The Funny Thing About Death is a captivating memoir that chronicles the unconventional upbringing of two young girls in the 1970s. Raised on Air Force bases and later sent to strict convent boarding schools, Jo and Annie struggled to find their place in the world. The Air Force was consumed by its obsession with communists, while the nuns were deeply entrenched in their devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, Jo and Annie were far from interested in these societal norms. Annie was a vivacious and adventurous soul, eager to explore the world and pursue her dreams of becoming a screenwriter and broadcaster. On the other hand, Jo was equally rebellious but lacked a clear direction. She yearned to be like her sister, seeking excitement and adventure through eyeliner, smoking, and joining a band.

Jo Caulfield's caustic wit and keen observations shine through in her account of life with her sister, even during the most challenging times. Her writing is both entertaining and deeply touching, resonating with readers who have experienced similar hardships or who can relate to the bond between siblings. Through their shared experiences, Jo and Annie discover the strength and resilience that comes from facing adversity together. They learn to cherish the precious moments and find humor in the darkest of circumstances. The Funny Thing About Death is a testament to the power of love, family, and the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, there is always a reason to laugh and find joy in the world around us.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781846976353