The Life We Bury is a gripping and thought-provoking novel written by Allen Eskens. Published in 2014, the book follows the story of Joe Talbert, a college student who becomes entangled in a decades-old murder case while working on a writing assignment.

The narrative begins with Joe, a struggling student burdened with family responsibilities, who is assigned to interview a stranger and write a biography for his English class. He chooses Carl Iverson, a dying Vietnam War veteran who has recently been released from prison after serving thirty years for the rape and murder of a young girl. Intrigued by the case and determined to uncover the truth, Joe delves into Carl’s past.

As Joe digs deeper into Carl’s life, he discovers that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. He uncovers evidence that suggests Carl may have been wrongfully convicted, leading him to question the integrity of the justice system. Alongside his neighbor and love interest, Lila Nash, Joe embarks on a quest for justice and redemption.

Throughout the novel, Eskens skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and perspectives. The reader is taken on a journey through time as Joe uncovers long-buried secrets and confronts his own troubled past. The characters are richly developed, each with their own flaws and complexities, making them relatable and engaging.

As Joe gets closer to unraveling the truth about the murder case, he faces numerous obstacles and dangers. The tension builds as he races against time to gather evidence and protect those he cares about. The Life We Bury is not only a thrilling mystery but also an exploration of themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the power of human connection.

Eskens’ writing style is both evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into the story from the very first page. His attention to detail creates vivid imagery, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world he has created. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also providing moments of reflection and introspection.

In conclusion, The Life We Bury is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of justice. Allen Eskens’ masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense.

• The Life We Bury

• By: Allen Eskens
• Narrated by: Zach Villa

College student Joe Talbert has the modest goal of completing a writing assignment for an English class. His task is to interview a stranger and write a brief biography of that person. As the deadline approached, Joe went to a nearby nursing home to find a suitable partner. There he meets Carl Iverson, and soon nothing in Joe’s life is the same. Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran – and a convicted murderer. With just months to live, he was medically paroled after serving thirty years in prison for rape and murder.

When Joe writes about Carl’s life, especially Carl’s bravery in Vietnam, he cannot reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable actions of the convict. With the help of his skeptical neighbor Lila, Joe embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. Thread by thread, he began to unfurl the tapestry of Carl’s beliefs. But as he and Lila dig deeper into the circumstances of the crime, the stakes grow. Will Joe uncover the truth before it’s too late to escape the fallout?

This book covers a wide range of areas including alcoholism, autism, rape, murder, prison, cancer, hospice, Vietnam, PTSD, and young love. Suffice it to say I was impressed that the author managed to fit in 8.5 hours of listening time. It’s a coming-of-age story about college student Joe, who, while facing serious family responsibilities, must also take on what at first seems like a simple task. in college but then quickly opened a box of worms that meant a lot to a man dying of cancer. False versus right, death versus life, guilt versus innocence, truth versus deception and misinformation, conviction versus exoneration are some of the many themes that are cleverly interwoven throughout. throughout the story. Although most of the content is dark and heavy, the story is sometimes light and humorous.

The narrator did a really good job – his voice is perfect for the main character and he seems to match the voices of the other characters as well.

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