NPR's Book of the Day: An Obituary Writer’s Grave Error in John Kenny's I See You've Called in Dead
Episode Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest Author: John Kenny
Introduction to the Episode
In this engaging episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong delves into John Kenny's latest novel, I See You've Called in Dead. The episode explores the intricate blend of humor and mortality through the lens of an obituary writer who inadvertently publishes his own obituary, setting off a series of comedic yet profound events.
Overview of I See You've Called in Dead
John Kenny, a journalism major who once had to pen his own obituary, channels this unique experience into his novel. The protagonist, Bud Stanley, is an obituary writer who takes a bold step by publishing his own obituary, leading to unexpected and humorous consequences.
Notable Quote:
"You have to sum up the entirety of a person's life in a single article, which is impossible, but you do your best anyway."
— Andrew Limbong [00:02]
Plot and Character Dynamics
Bud Stanley’s Predicament
Bud Stanley, portrayed as a man grappling with personal turmoil, writes and publishes his own obituary after a series of unfortunate events, including a disastrous blind date, bad news from his ex-wife, and excessive drinking.
Notable Quote:
"Bud is a guy who is lost, but doesn't quite know it."
— Bud Stanley [03:05]
The Aftermath of Publishing His Obituary
Once Bud's obituary is live, the company he works for discovers his "death," leading to ironic and bureaucratic complications since they cannot legally fire someone deemed dead.
Notable Quote:
"They desperately want to fire him, but then after a few days they realize that he is dead to the company's enormous system and they cannot legally fire a dead person."
— Bud Stanley [03:17]
Emotional and Physical Journey
Bud embarks on a journey, accompanied by his friend Tim, attending funerals and wakes. This physical journey mirrors his emotional quest for meaning and connection.
Notable Quote:
"That's really the essence. It's this journey, physical and emotional journey that Bud is making with his good friend Tim to these wakes and funerals."
— Bud Stanley [03:48]
Themes Explored
Male Friendship and Intimacy
A central theme of the novel is the depth of male friendship. Bud relies heavily on his friend Tim, highlighting the challenges and nuances of male bonds.
Notable Quote:
"I think the bulk of this story is about male friendship."
— Bud Stanley [04:29]
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Kenny emphasizes the role of humor in dealing with the inevitability of death. Through Bud's story, the novel illustrates how laughter can be a vital outlet in the face of life's darkest moments.
Notable Quote:
"The flip side of it is this valve release of humor. And I very much wanted that to be part of the book."
— Bud Stanley [06:32]
Personal Inspirations Behind the Novel
John Kenny draws inspiration from his personal experiences and reflections on loss. Growing up in Boston, reading obituaries in the Boston Globe instilled in him a fascination with how succinctly lives are captured. Additionally, the passing of his brother in 2019 profoundly influenced the novel's tone and themes.
Notable Quote:
"I grew up in Boston and my parents always read the Boston Globe obituaries. They called it the Irish sports page. I find them fascinating because there are these whole lives in 2, 3, 400 words."
— Bud Stanley [05:44]
Balancing Darkness with Humor
Kenny discusses the delicate balance of addressing death's gravity while infusing the narrative with humor. This approach not only makes the subject more approachable but also underscores the resilience of the human spirit.
Notable Quote:
"I want to write a funnyish book about death because it gave me chills to in the face of the great unknown."
— Bud Stanley [08:36]
Dedication and Personal Loss
The novel is dedicated to Kenny's brother, Tom, who was a firefighter and a key figure in the Massachusetts FEMA team during 9/11. Tom's battle with pancreatic cancer, likely contracted during his service at 9/11, and his enduring spirit significantly influenced the novel’s emotional core.
Notable Quote:
"We dedicate the book to him. A really remarkable guy... he was able to find that dark, wonderful humor that makes life worth living."
— Bud Stanley [07:13]
Conclusion and Author’s Reflection
John Kenny concludes by expressing his desire to create a narrative that confronts death with humor and humanity. His personal loss and reflections have culminated in a novel that not only entertains but also invites readers to contemplate life, death, and the connections that sustain us.
Notable Quote:
"He was able to find that dark, wonderful humor that makes life worth living."
— Bud Stanley [08:36]
Final Thoughts
I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenny is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the power of humor to navigate the complexities of human existence. Through Bud Stanley’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and the ways we cope with loss and the unknown.
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