Death of an Ordinary Man: A Novel

Death of an Ordinary Man: A Novel
by Glen Duncan

Death of an Ordinary Man: A Novel
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Book Summary Information

Author: Glen Duncan
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-11-30
ISBN: 0802170048
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Grove Press, Black Cat

Book Reviews of Death of an Ordinary Man: A Novel

Book Review: Haunting, both literally and figuratively
Summary: 5 Stars

The theme of this novel is revealed in a quote near the ending of the book: "Sartre said all writing's an act of infidelity. So's surviving the dead" (p. 286). In this beautiful, spare novel, Duncan explores the many betrayals that make up a family, ranging from an all-too-common marital infidelity to the infinitely more tragic betrayal of not being able to protect one's child from brutality. We meet Nathan, the central character, in his first few moments of his awareness of being dead. At first there is nothingness: "It was neither dark nor light but if he lifted his hand in front of his face he wouldn't be able to see it." As the novel progresses, Nathan regains memories as well as being allowed to witness his family member's actions and thoughts. As details emerge, the reader begins to realize there is much more here than an ordinary life and death.

This is not a book to read for a laugh, as there are few laughs, if any, in it. It is instead a book for any parent who has dared to confront the unthinkable: How would I react if it happened to my family? Could I cope? How could someone possibly cope? Nathan's story provides the uncomfortable confirmation of your suspicion that, sometimes, things happen that just can't be coped with. This message will linger with you long after you've put it down. Duncan does a wonderful job of portraying characters as humans, fully dimensional, possessing hidden strengths yet simultaneously capable of thoughtless and mean behaviors. Duncan's talent becomes apparent when you finish the book, despite full awareness of the wrongs committed by the people within it, feeling great sympathy and tenderness for all members of Nathan's family, including Nathan himself.

Summary of Death of an Ordinary Man: A Novel

With Death of an Ordinary Man, Glen Duncan continues his penetrating and innovative exploration of the supernatural with a novel that is far and away his most powerful and accomplished yet. Nathan Clark's gravestone offers a short and hopeful summary: At rest. But Nathan is not at rest, and knows he won't be until he finds out why he died. Privy now to the innermost thoughts and feelings of his family and friends-confessions that are raw, brutal, and unexpected-Nathan spends the day of his wake getting to know the living as he has never known them before: His father struggles with a legacy of family tragedy; his wife with the baggage of a doomed affair; his older daughter with her burgeoning sexuality and adolescent confusion. But why isn't Nathan's young daughter Lois at the wake? Who are the two strangers at the funeral, and why does their presence fill him with dread? Part detective story, part family portrait, Death of an Ordinary Man is an unflinching look at the margins of human experience, where the boundaries of fundamental feelings?love, grief, desire, shame, and hope?meet and mingle, and no motivation is as simple as it seems.

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