The Life We Bury: Summary and Analysis

by Bibliomaniac

You Need To Read This Book because this will help you dive deeper into the world of Allen Eskens. Allen Eskens shows the world his true talent in The Life We Bury, a mystery novel. This book chronicles a hectic school year for college-aged Joe Talbert. His life is changed forever when he gets an interesting homework assignment--writing a biography. Joe's subject is a cranky old man who was convicted of cold-blooded murder over thirty years ago. As Joe writes his paper he becomes unsure on whether his subject is telling the true, or if there is more to the murder that he doesn't know. Joe goes on a wild chase to find out who the real murderer is, getting himself if perilous trouble along the way. In this sidekick you'll find: A brief biography on Allen Eskens A guide on the writing style used in the story Background information to help readers better understand the book Character descriptions Themes to watch out for Detailed summaries for each chapter General review of the book with additional things to think about Disclaimer: This book serves as an accompaniment to the bestseller The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. It is meant to broaden the reader's understanding of the book and to offer some insights which can easily be overlooked. You should order a copy of the actual book before reading this.

Genres: Book Club, Audiobook, Mystery

30 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2016

Reviews

[Ruthanne Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could easily be a true story and, perhaps, it is based on one but the author does not say.
A near-penniless college student is given an assignment in writing class to interview someone who is near the end of life about the changes that happened in his life.
He goes to a Nursing Home and meets a man who has but weeks to live and is dying of pancreatic cancer. The gentleman is a Viet Nam veteran and still dealing with the horrors that he witnessed in that war.
On returning to civilian life, he is charged with rape and murder of a 14-year old girl. He is sentenced to prison and, when Joe meets him, has already served 30 years.
The story continues to unwind but takes turns you don't really expect and the relationship does the same.
A thoughtful study of a man, wrongly accused 0f a crime, and the young man who wanted to clear his name.

[Anne Dyken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, fast-paced book. I read straight through . . . one of those books you kind of have to read that way. The premise is believable, but what isn't believable is the idea of a college student taking a writing assignment this seriously. An investigative journalist might go through all of this to find answers and clear someone's name, but a college student who isn't a journalism or English major? I'm not sure. That said, I liked it a lot and it kept my attention. As it progressed, it took on a bit of a Scooby Doo or Hardy Boys quality . . . very young people getting "to the bottom of it" and having the mystery take over their lives. You'll like it; it will keep your attention. But, yeah, kind of Scoobish.

[Betty Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at one of Indigo's sales. It is not the type of book I usually read so I was not expecting it to be particularly enjoyable. I couldn't have been more wrong! The characters were strong and likeable. The story is gripping and suspenseful, making the book hard to put down. I liked it so much I even e-mailed the author to tell him so.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprise at every turn.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Suspenseful and quick thriller.

[Leah Wacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! It is riveting until the very end. I recommend this to all my bookworm friends.

[Jeffrey Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two hundred pages. I would have enjoyed a less violent, less intense ending.

[Xavi Wimmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well. done. 👏🏻 It was a bit of a slow start for me, but after about 70-80 pages in, I was hooked! A page-turner and great read!!

[susan j barthold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story. fast easy read

[Lisa Patrick Harrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Especially since I'm a Minnesotan and U of M graduate. Great mystery. Probably my favorite read of 2025 so far.

[Kristen Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good! My favorite part was the main characters relationship with his autistic brother

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery/suspense. The very end was a wee bit predictable, but that's ok. A most excellent read. Picked this one for book club.

[Rivkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written
Great story