Title: The Life We Bury
Author: Allen Eskens
First published October 14, 2014
304 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781616149987 (ISBN10: 1616149981)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
When college student Joe Talbert sets out to find a stranger for his English class assignment, he never expected to meet Carl Iverson. A Vietnam veteran and convicted murderer, Carl’s story captivates Joe and soon he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew.
As Joe delves deeper into Carl’s past, he uncovers shocking truths that challenge his own beliefs, and put him in danger. With the help of his neighbor Lila, Joe must navigate the complexities of his dysfunctional family and confront his own demons to uncover the truth.
The Life We Bury is a gripping tale of redemption, courage, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of pasts.
About the Author
Meet Allen Eskens, a talented author who has written nine bestselling novels, including The Life We Bury, The Stolen Hours, and Forsaken Country. He has been recognized for his writing with the Barry Award, Rosebud Award, Minnesota Book Award, and the Silver Falchion Award.
Additionally, he has been a finalist for the Edgar Award, Thriller Award, and Anthony Award – impressive, right?
Allen resides in greater Minnesota with his lovely wife, Joely.
His literary representation is Amy Cloughley from Kimberley Cameron and Associates, and his books are published by both Seventh Street Books and Mulholland/Little Brown. It’s worth noting that his work has been translated into 26 different languages.
If you’re curious to learn more about Allen and his impressive writing, you can visit his website.
Editoral Review
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens is a stunning debut novel that deftly blends elements of crime fiction and literary fiction. The author’s writing is engaging and accessible, with a conversational tone that pulls the reader into the story.
The book was first published on October 14, 2014, and has since been widely praised by critics and readers alike. The story follows Joe Talbert, a college student who decides to write a biography of a convicted murderer named Carl Iverson as an assignment for a writing class.
As he delves into Carl’s past and interviews people who knew him, Joe uncovers a web of lies and secrets that lead him down a dangerous path. Along the way, he meets Lila, a young woman with her own troubled past, and together they navigate the ups and downs of their investigation while confronting their own personal demons.
Eskens is a master storyteller who knows how to keep the reader engaged and entertained from start to finish. He skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines and characters, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that culminates in a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
The novel is set in Minnesota, and Eskens’ sense of place is impeccable, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of the region with vivid detail. At its core, The Life We Bury is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
The themes of trauma, abuse, and mental illness are handled with sensitivity and nuance, and the characters are complex, flawed, and ultimately relatable. Joe and Carl, in particular, are both damaged men who have made mistakes in their past, but who are fighting to make amends and find some measure of peace.
The novel does have a few minor flaws, such as some predictable plot twists and occasional lapses in pacing. However, these are overshadowed by the book’s many strengths, including its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and timely exploration of social issues like race and class.
Overall, The Life We Bury is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery, a heartfelt coming-of-age story, or a thought-provoking meditation on the human condition. Allen Eskens has crafted a masterpiece that will stand the test of time and resonate with readers for years to come.
We give this book a score of 9 out of 10, based on its exceptional writing, compelling characters, and powerful themes. We highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great book.
