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The Book of Eulogies
Edited with Commentary by Phyllis Theroux Scribner, 1997
(400pp.)
Reviewed by: Meg Wickes, Hospice Volunteer.
An intriguing new volume has recently entered our library. Cokie Roberts, a
familiar voice on National Public Radio and ABC News, has said, in words better
than I could, on the book jacket of The Book of Eulogies. "This wonderful book
teaches us a great deal about history, about courage, about writing. But most of
all, in reading about the parts of a life eulogists choose to remember and
recount, we learn a great deal about living a well-lived life."
The eulogies chosen as examples by Theroux span the range from the great and
the famous to family members and beloved pets. Shared among all is a fine,
expressive style which makes browsing through the book's many categories a rich
experience. A down-to-earth example is found in the concluding words in
celebration of the life of a retarded boy, spoken by John Conrad, Senior, at his
son's funeral: "Today our hearts are broken, but we have learned to
live life with a broken heart and to enjoy life anyway. We have been inspired by
John's love and positive, persevering spirit. And we will live our lives with as
many thumbs-up days as possible." (p. 263)
In addition to the eulogies, Part III, of the book, provides thoughtful
offerings on "What Death Means," "Grief Defined," and "Letters of Condolence."
Finally there is a section of poetry, providing a rich source of quotations for
those who may be putting together their own words of comfort and solace on the
occasion of a loved one's death.
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