Customer Reviews

Bodies in Motion and at Rest: On Metaphor and Mortality

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you have read and enjoyed Lynch's "The Undertaking", you will not be disappointed in this book. If not, I suggest reading "Undertaking" first. This collection of essays covers a variety of topics. Lynch is delightfully unafraid to follow his own logic, even if that makes his conclusions far outside of what passes today for mainstream opinion.

The only negative I can give is that the book does not surprise you as much as his first book did. How could it? To me, that simply shows Lynch's unique contribution. These essays are a bit longer and more varied. Some of them are based on talks Lynch has given on the lecture circuit for morticians. One such is my favorite. Lynch notes that he is viewed with some suspicion by both poets and funeral directors, and insightfully compares the poem and the funeral. Very well done!

Reading Thomas Lynch's essays brings you closer to knowing the importance of living. His poetic observances and proximity to death as an undertaker make for a rare sensibility and we, the readers, are lucky he has been thoughtful enough to share them with us.

The book by Thomas Lynch is superb....at least the first several chapters are. The introduction is wonderful with many statements that I saved in my "favorite quotation" folder. The first several essays leave you with a lot to think about, but the last couple are about the importance of poetry, and this is clearly Lynch's "hobbyhorse." On the whole, the book is powerful and well worth reading.

I take issue with the above Amazon.com review somewhat. While it's true that throughout the book, Lynch makes repeated comparisons to a variety of topical matters (Y2K, The Internet, Microsoft), this is probably simply due to the fact that this is a collection of essays that were written at different times. And as anyone who was conscious a year ago will tell you - Y2K and Bill Gates were at the tip of everyone's tongue! It's the job of essayists like Lynch to consider current popular culture and assimiliate it into their work.

I enjoyed the book very much. Lynch is a passionate writer who attacks the work with a poet's sensibility, carefully crafting sentences that are articulate, and better yet, emotionally satisfying. Unfortunately, to me, this turned out out also to be the book's biggest bane. Lynch, the "poet-undertaker" seems to be acutely enamored of his own voice. His prowess as a poet is remarkable, which is perhaps the reason that he exercises very little restraint when infusing his essays with his own poetry or the poetry of other, considerably lesser known poets. Like anyone who struggles for their art, Lynch laments the virtual apathy poets and poetry is shown by society at large, and therefore seens compelled to inject this poetry into the work wherever and whenever possible. To me, it undermines the collection, one that otherwise it truly sincere, poignant, and frequently funny.

So, here I was, suspended between the wonderous and terrifying Christmas holy day, and the equally awesome coming of the New Year, wholly of our own making, mind you--trying to eke out a few moments of quiet peace, reading a library book. At the dining room table. In the twinkling magic blue and yellow and red and green lights of the Tree, glowing in post Christ-be-born blush. Sipping a wine. Or two.
The book I'd chosen for the title, and the fact that its author wore a bow tie and hat in the photo on the back cover. When do you see that anymore? And ... "Bodies in Motion and At Rest." Who could resist?
I'm now at the last essay. Thomas Lynch has an easy way of writing that belies the intricacy, the layer, the pull of century and legacy enriching each word. He has embroidered this pillow with care, and a true needle, and stuffed it full--though it is not always comfortable, it satisfies the soul. Recline, and enjoy.

As a peer in the profession, I have heard him speak at conventions, spoken to him myself, and read his works. A gentleman and a true funeral professional, he is ever mindful that his reading audience will encompass a great diversity of people from all walks of life. Mr. Lynch never gets technically entrenched or cavalier with the topic of death or the trust placed in him to care for the deceased. Rather, he focuses on the human substance behind our so-called dismal trade. There are many essays, each special in its telling. He is gifted at telling a day-in-the-life story in entertaining and at times, downright humorous fashion. My absolute favorite tale begins at the chapter or essay titled "Y2Kat", I found myself engulfed in rib-aching laughter! I laughed until I cried! I am a cat-lover but had to admit that I could understand the frustration and angst of the author as the story unfurled. The humor would truly hit a home-run with those anti-cat people annoyed with felines generally, or worse, those hating felines with nine never-ending, seemingly eternal lives and vexing habits. Bad enough, the former wife's pet was a reminder of her and the bitter end to the marriage. Lynch gets over most bitter resentments, eventually. Years and years pass, the kids grow up and move on etc. BUT this long-lived fur-ball of a nemesis appears hell-bent on living to torment the poor man until the last shred of his sanity is gone, or maybe through to the end of time? The beast becomes the devil incarnate as an almost maniacal Mr. Lynch shamelessly confesses diabolical thoughts and indulges in fantasies of the cat's hopeful demise; Lynch creates oddly cathartic poetry about it, in his obsession with the final event. It MUST play out as the close of 1999 approaches. Lynch intends to see 2000 roll in sans Kitty come hell or high water. After all, Lynch PROMISED us that the cat would indeed be dead by the time we read the story! That final paragraph nails it!

So, if you have a few minutes, and are need of a real good laugh (who doesn't?), cut right into "Y2Kat", IF you think you'll never have time for the rest. I dare you to leave the rest of the book unread! The whole work is an enjoyable reading experience.

Mr. Lynch returns with a treatise on life, love & death.

I recall my early books and the instructors who taught me to look at words, sentances and paragraphs that make up a story. Mr. Lynch appears to pour over his words in a successful effort to make my mind enjoy this book.

I alternatively chuckle, smile, cry and breathe heavy while mind goes places with Mr. Lynch.

A fine book.

you will like this book. Lynch's "poetic" prose is purple. If you like Sherwin Nuland or David Berlinski, you will like this book. If you prefer crisp writing, you will not. I couldn't bear to read more than a few pages.