Making an exit

Description

Journalist Sarah Murray never gave much thought to what might ultimately happen to her remains―until her father died. Puzzled by the choices he made about the disposal of his "organic matter," she embarks on a series of journeys to discover how death is commemorated in different cultures. Her travels lead her to discover everything from a Czech chandelier of human bones and a weeping ceremony in Iran to a Philippine village where the casketed dead hang in caves. Fascinating, poignant, and often funny, *Making an Exit* is Murray's exploration of the ways in which we seek to dignify the dead―and a deeply personal quest for a final send-off of her own.

Description

"...Sarah Murray never gave much thought to what might ultimately happen to her remains--until her father died. Now, puzzled by the choices he made about the disposal of his "organic matter," she embarks on a series of voyages to discover how death is commemorated in different cultures. Death's Doors is Murray's exploration of the extraordinary creativity unleashed when we seek to dignify the dead. Along the way, she encounters a royal cremation in Bali, Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, a Czech chandelier made from human bones, a weeping ceremony in Iran, and a Philippine village where the casketed dead are left hanging in caves. She even goes to Ghana to commission a coffin for herself..."--Jacket.

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