Customer Reviews

The Man Who Loved Funerals

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Ms. Raphael proves, with this book, that she can capture a readers interest whether she is writing nonfiction or anovel that reveals more of her soul than perhaps she realized. I read it on a Saturday morning while trying to escape our nations tragedy. And,indeed, I did. God bless this great country.

Review for The Man Who Loved Funerals, Maryanne Raphael, Authors Choice Press: 107 pp.

"Silent tears slipped down his face. ...of course I will come to your funeral. All of my life I have been going to funerals and yours is the first one I was ever invited to. And to think I've received a personal invitation from the guest of honor."
Like colorful butterflies they emerge from their cocoons to delight and excite the senses-for a short time. J. R. Roosenberg's cover art symbolizes what lies ahead for Charlie, Lisa and Bernadette.
In a simpler time Charlie Reed met Bernadette, an ex-Catholic, and joined her as an active member of the Young Communist Party. When she became ill her family refused to let her continue to live with Charlie. They denied him the privilege of being with her through her terminal illness and the solace of grieving with them. That's when Charlie became homeless and The Man Who Loved Funerals.
"You might say this is my vocation...It fills my days and I make wonderful friends. I do believe, as people grow older they should make more friends among the dead. It makes it easier to accept death when it's time for us to go".
His daily search for solace led him to Lisa at her sister's funeral. She then invited him to her own funeral. With this unusual introduction they begin a journey to appreciate the beauty and truth of death and life. After Lisa's death, an ironic and unexpected turn takes the story to its startling end.
Raphael's portrayal of human frailties, strengths and unpredictability make this a worthwhile read. Share this thought provoking book with your teenager.

The Man Who Loved Funerals is an unforgetable novel about a woman who is dying and a man whose life is focused on funerals.
They fall in love and life becomes enchanting for them both.
She teaches him how ot live and he teaches her how to die.
Together they help the reader learn to accept both life and death.
I have read this book many times and I expect to read it many more