Title: Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead
Author: Emily R. Austin
First published July 6, 2021
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781982167356 (ISBN10: 1982167351)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
In Emily R. Austin’s “Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead,” Gilda finds herself grappling with an overwhelming fear of death.
Adrift and estranged from her family, she stumbles into a job at a local Catholic church, where she spends her days struggling to keep up appearances and avoid awkward social interactions. When she discovers an email from a woman searching for her deceased friend, Gilda can’t help but insert herself into the situation – by impersonating the deceased.
As her web of lies grows ever more tangled, Gilda must confront the reality of her own mortality, and the consequences of her actions. A darkly funny and poignant novel about life, death, and the messy in-between.
About the Author
Emily Austin, a talented author, has a couple of exciting books under her belt. Her first publication, “Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead,” has been well-received.
And fans of her work can look forward to her upcoming novel, “Interesting Facts About Space.”
Editoral Review
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin is a debut novel published on July 6, 2021.
The novel falls under the genre of dark humor, and the author uses her mastery of language and wit to explore themes of mental illness, loneliness, and the fear of death. The book is a gripping and unique tale that takes readers on a journey through the mind of a woman on the brink of death.
The story follows Gilda, a young woman who suffers from anxiety and depression. After a series of mishaps, Gilda finds herself impersonating a Catholic Church employee, caught up in a case of mistaken identity.
She quickly becomes engrossed in the role, finding solace in being someone else. However, she soon realizes that her deception could have serious consequences, leading her to confront the fear of death and the legacy she wants to leave behind.
Austin’s writing style is reminiscent of other great contemporary authors who used humor to address serious issues, such as David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson. The author infuses the story with witty observations and clever wordplay, creating an unforgettable and unique reading experience.
The author’s skillful approach to language is a testament to her talent as a writer, and it is a delight to read from beginning to end. While the plot is inventive, humorous, and captivating, the character development is what truly sets this novel apart.
Readers will quickly become attached to Gilda and the other characters, rooting for them as they navigate their way through life. Gilda’s vulnerability is authentically portrayed, making her more relatable and endearing.
The challenges she faces are also easily recognizable, making the novel’s themes hit closer to home. By highlighting issues such as mental illness and isolation, Austin makes a poignant statement about modern society.
The story’s thematic depth adds an extra layer to the narrative, making it more than just a lighthearted tale. The novel speaks to the human condition and the struggle that comes with living in a fast-paced and uncertain world.
While the book has its strengths, it also has some limitations. The plot can be slow at times, and some have pointed out a lack of character development for certain secondary characters.
These are minor issues, however, and ultimately do not detract from the novel’s overall appeal. In conclusion, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead is a remarkable debut novel by Emily R.
Austin. While it will appeal to fans of dark humor, it is ultimately a novel about the human experience, and how we all navigate the complexities of life.
It is a joy to read, packed with wit, heart, and insight. It is highly recommended for readers looking for a fresh take on the traditional coming-of-age story.
The Washington Post gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
