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Whence and Whither: On Lives and Living
From one of our most gifted writers and thinkers about death and the meaning of living comes a collection of writings about "what comes next." Thomas Lynch, funeral director, poet, and author of the National Book Award finalist The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade, has an uncanny knack for writing about death in ways that are never morbid, always thoughtful, often humorous, and quite moving. From his account of riding in the hearse at the funeral of poet laureate Seamus Heaney, to his recounting of the funeral for a young child in the 1800s, to his compelling essay about his own mortality, Lynch always finds ways to make sense of senseless things, as he ponders what will come next.
231 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2019
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855 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Lynch
73 books162 followersThomas Lynch has authored five collections of poetry, one of stories, and four books of essays, including National Book Award Finalist The Undertaking. He works as a funeral director in Milford, Michigan, and teaches at the Bear River Writer’s Conference.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 21, 2019
Whence and Wither: On Lives and Living; Thomas Lynch, Westminster John Know Press, 2019
I admit at the outset that I had a difficult time getting into this book. Understand, I lay no blame on the author because as I continued to push through, I found humor, a helpful perspective on dying and the dead and I highlighted a lot of notes.
Perhaps it was because this was my first introduction to Thomas Lynch of whom I had heard but not read. Perhaps it was the Lynch the Poet writing narrative. Or perhaps I have been reading so much theology I was wearing the wrong lenses for such a book.
The bottom line is I enjoyed the book and will certainly be referring to it and looking for more of Thomas Lynch.
As a matter of fact, we have much in common, in that, as a minister, I bury a lot of bodies and as an undertaker, he prepares the bodies for burial. That he writes as a poet/undertaker intrigued me enough to want to read this book.
We also have in common the sense that we live between two dates separated by a dash. And as we are both getting older, we both know the end date is certainly nearer. The dash is already on the stone but until the engraver gets out his tools Whence and Wither may provide some insight for the time between whence and wither.
He offers some very positive words about pastors/priests or whatever name those who provide spiritual help for the living and dying go by.
In Chapter 2, “And every coffin whither”, he provides some insight into another role of the spiritual caregiver that of public speaking. He reminds us that the etymology of the word pulpit is the Latin “pulpitum” meaning catafalque or scaffold. I can tell you from experience that any message may be our last. I will certainly remind the students in my pastoral training classes of the origin of the word pulpit. Walk up prepared because we may come down quickly.
His thoughts on the American way of death have caused me to rethink the way I do funerals and even the way I think about my own funeral. He writes, “For many bereaved North Americans, the ‘celebration of life’ involves a guest list open to everyone except the actual corpse, which is often dismissed, disappeared with rubric or witness, buried or burned out of sight, out of mind by paid functionaries such as me. So the visible presence of the pope’s body at the pope’s funeral struck me as an oddity, a quaint relic of old customs. “(Kindle location 1544)
He goes on the say that Americans seem to, in my words, fail to recognize at a funeral the main character in his/her current form.
However, this is not a morbid book, though the main theme, captured in the title, is on living and dying. This book gives us a poet’s perspective on life. Poets have a way of seeing that most of us don’t have. The author quotes his own works as well as lines from other poets. I like these words from Kindle location 956, “All poets borrow…great poets steal”.
Maybe we can gain insight into our lives by stealing from the thoughts of Thomas Lynch.
I received a galley of the book from netgalley.com with the sole understanding that I would read it and write a review.
I admit at the outset that I had a difficult time getting into this book. Understand, I lay no blame on the author because as I continued to push through, I found humor, a helpful perspective on dying and the dead and I highlighted a lot of notes.
Perhaps it was because this was my first introduction to Thomas Lynch of whom I had heard but not read. Perhaps it was the Lynch the Poet writing narrative. Or perhaps I have been reading so much theology I was wearing the wrong lenses for such a book.
The bottom line is I enjoyed the book and will certainly be referring to it and looking for more of Thomas Lynch.
As a matter of fact, we have much in common, in that, as a minister, I bury a lot of bodies and as an undertaker, he prepares the bodies for burial. That he writes as a poet/undertaker intrigued me enough to want to read this book.
We also have in common the sense that we live between two dates separated by a dash. And as we are both getting older, we both know the end date is certainly nearer. The dash is already on the stone but until the engraver gets out his tools Whence and Wither may provide some insight for the time between whence and wither.
He offers some very positive words about pastors/priests or whatever name those who provide spiritual help for the living and dying go by.
In Chapter 2, “And every coffin whither”, he provides some insight into another role of the spiritual caregiver that of public speaking. He reminds us that the etymology of the word pulpit is the Latin “pulpitum” meaning catafalque or scaffold. I can tell you from experience that any message may be our last. I will certainly remind the students in my pastoral training classes of the origin of the word pulpit. Walk up prepared because we may come down quickly.
His thoughts on the American way of death have caused me to rethink the way I do funerals and even the way I think about my own funeral. He writes, “For many bereaved North Americans, the ‘celebration of life’ involves a guest list open to everyone except the actual corpse, which is often dismissed, disappeared with rubric or witness, buried or burned out of sight, out of mind by paid functionaries such as me. So the visible presence of the pope’s body at the pope’s funeral struck me as an oddity, a quaint relic of old customs. “(Kindle location 1544)
He goes on the say that Americans seem to, in my words, fail to recognize at a funeral the main character in his/her current form.
However, this is not a morbid book, though the main theme, captured in the title, is on living and dying. This book gives us a poet’s perspective on life. Poets have a way of seeing that most of us don’t have. The author quotes his own works as well as lines from other poets. I like these words from Kindle location 956, “All poets borrow…great poets steal”.
Maybe we can gain insight into our lives by stealing from the thoughts of Thomas Lynch.
I received a galley of the book from netgalley.com with the sole understanding that I would read it and write a review.
March 15, 2019
I was intrigued to read an essay collection by an undertaker. Lynch spends much of the book talking about his understanding of life and loss, as seen through the experiences of his work, familial relationships and longtime friendships.
Lynch included some lovely insights on life and death throughout the book. I enjoyed this quote:
"A failure to deal authentically with death may have something to do with an inability to deal authentically with life."
On the whole, the book could have benefitted from a lot more editorial insight. The first few essays were so full of names of the author's friends and acquaintances, that I thought I was still reading the acknowledgements section. The essays were more often than not, hard to follow, and the reading was laborious. This book contained a lot more poetry than I expected, and perhaps also could have been labelled as a book of poetry, due to the volume of poetry within the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Westminster John Knox Press for the chance to read an advance reader's copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Lynch included some lovely insights on life and death throughout the book. I enjoyed this quote:
"A failure to deal authentically with death may have something to do with an inability to deal authentically with life."
On the whole, the book could have benefitted from a lot more editorial insight. The first few essays were so full of names of the author's friends and acquaintances, that I thought I was still reading the acknowledgements section. The essays were more often than not, hard to follow, and the reading was laborious. This book contained a lot more poetry than I expected, and perhaps also could have been labelled as a book of poetry, due to the volume of poetry within the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Westminster John Knox Press for the chance to read an advance reader's copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2019
Whilst I certainly think this author is a taleneted poet and has had an interesting life, I am not sure the book adequately reflects that. It seems to me, that this could stand another round or two of editing in order to simplify it. It really does get bogged down in the details where you can't see the cemetery through the coffins.
The author made some valid points and certainly has some beautiful poetry and prose, but for me, I couldn't follow everything that was being said in the beginning even, because there were just too many people to keep up with.
I think if you are part of the industry, as in, an undertaker, you might get more out of this than the general reader will, even if you are someone who truly loves poetry.
I still enjoyed portions of it and am grateful to have had the chance to read it.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The author made some valid points and certainly has some beautiful poetry and prose, but for me, I couldn't follow everything that was being said in the beginning even, because there were just too many people to keep up with.
I think if you are part of the industry, as in, an undertaker, you might get more out of this than the general reader will, even if you are someone who truly loves poetry.
I still enjoyed portions of it and am grateful to have had the chance to read it.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2019
It feels at first like a miscellany, but you don't have to read very far before you realize that this is a group of pieces where a deep spirit meditates on the possibility or impossibility of faith. Here's a radio review I did of it (you will have to scroll down a bit to find the link):
https://www.michiganradio.org/post/st...
https://www.michiganradio.org/post/st...
March 8, 2019
An author whose resume includes being a poet and a funeral director. Those two life pursuits surely had to have been very much the inspiration for this book. It reads so much of someone with those experiences in life. Writing style....a beautiful flow as he describes his views on life..and what living well means. It's intriguing to read words from a person that has experienced so much death...or at least what happens after death...and yet has so much to say on life...people...and the value of it all. Rich in thought....relatable during those moments of doubt..bittersweet and heartbreaking...it's a heart grabbing soul searching read.
I absolutely recommend.
Thanks to the peeps at goodreads and to author Thomas Lynch for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
I absolutely recommend.
Thanks to the peeps at goodreads and to author Thomas Lynch for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
February 23, 2019
Intended perhaps more for undertakers or poets like himself, I still found value in Lynch's writings. He has a way of describing the happenings of everyday life, specifically our passing or at times our coming into being, in a lyrical but true fashion. As a practicing Catholic, who admits to not knowing anything for sure, I appreciate his admission of moments of doubt and belief which wax and wane, as they will. The kindness and love illustrated in the various accounts of heartbreaking instances of death and the words put forth at those times were palpable. Pairing poetry with wise words coupled into a beautiful amalgam is Lynch's forte. He doesn't take credit for inventing the style, but takes the idea and runs with it.
(I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.)
(I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.)
March 23, 2020
Thomas Lynch is a poet and an undertaker. Lynch’s words are shaped by a poet’s ear and beg to be heard. Take time to read a few lines aloud. Meander through a well tended park of essays and poems. Explore private clearings, shaded walk ways, intimate enclosures, and gateways that open into Lynch’s reflections on life, death, and the dead.
On speaking about the patron saint of undertakers, Lynch says “that a good funeral got the living where they needed to go by getting the dead where they needed to be —before the Sabbath, before the feast, before the celebration of life, the dead need to be tended to” (Lynch 129). Lynch shares wisdom and insights he sweeps from the retort of walking with the living and the dead.
On speaking about the patron saint of undertakers, Lynch says “that a good funeral got the living where they needed to go by getting the dead where they needed to be —before the Sabbath, before the feast, before the celebration of life, the dead need to be tended to” (Lynch 129). Lynch shares wisdom and insights he sweeps from the retort of walking with the living and the dead.
April 12, 2019
I'm happy to recommend this latest book by Thomas Lynch. Each chapter can be read independently of the others since they are a collection of essays, not necessarily sequential. Having read most of Lynch's other books, I was familiar with many of the people and places he referenced. It felt like meeting up again with interesting acquaintances. I appreciate both Lynch's candor and humor. His own story is both unique and universal. We all have stories of family, vocation, friendship; our lives and our deaths, and he tells them far better than most. And he certainly has the coveted Irish gift of words!
April 10, 2021
I liked this one a lot and appreciate the agnosticism Lynch is willing to acknowledge although I get the impression that he is stuck with a limiting paradigm and found myself wanting to say to him 'there is more than what you cannot accept in the belief system you inherited.' I enjoyed his engagement with Billy Collins and Seamus Heaney and the letter he exchanged with William Carlos Williams. I also found fascinating a peek into the world of undertaking. Lots to appreciate here and as an Army chaplain I am drawn to people who care for the dead.
September 18, 2019
Did not like this book. I couldn't get into it, lots of rambling that didn't make sense to me, way wordy. I thought this book was going to be really interesting but it took everything I had to finish it. I think the author has a lot to say but should have been more to the point and actually wrote about what he knew instead of making things flowery. Received this book as an ARC and I am giving my honest feedback.
March 30, 2019
I received an early copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. This book is by and large thought-provoking. And I enjoyed the wittiness. The sections involving Ireland and Irish people especially maintained my interest. However, I wasn't able to get settled into the rhythm of the book and some parts like the One Act Play, were skippable.
June 26, 2020
A collection of lectures, essays, and stories and, as such, varied in quality. There are some witty, provocative, insightful images and phrases, but not the overall substance I had hoped for.
His discussion "Red Wheel-Barrow" by William Carlos Williams is itself worth the price of the book. That discussion made me cry.
His discussion "Red Wheel-Barrow" by William Carlos Williams is itself worth the price of the book. That discussion made me cry.
July 27, 2020
Finally got around to reading this one and I could kick myself for taking so long. This was wonderful to get lost in. The stories are told in a soothing voice that makes it easy to lose yourself in these pages. Yes, the subject matter is very personal and sad and at sometimes humorous, but there is insight to be gained from the reading.
January 30, 2021
There is a meandering quality to Lynch’s writing that was just right for my mood. There’s so much ego in it, but with enough self-deprecation that it feels more charming than not. In short, I enjoyed this book very much.
July 13, 2019
I always enjoy books by Thomas Lynch, and this one is no exception.
December 26, 2019
Not my favorite Thomas Lynch
March 7, 2023
I was moved by the honesty as he revealed stories of his own struggles and deaths. I read The Undertaking years ago, this collection seemed more personal.
It will preach.
Reread it in March of 2023. Still outstanding.
It will preach.
Reread it in March of 2023. Still outstanding.
March 2, 2019
Book Court - Where I'm the Judge and Jury
Whence and Whither by Thomas Lynch
CHARGE (What was the author trying to say?): The author explores “How did you come to be the one you are … if every cradle asks us where, surely every coffin makes us question whither?”
FACTS: I am still not sure why I requested to read an advance copy of a book by a mortician/poet. I’m not really a fan of poetry or death. The author seems to realize this going to be hard sell “neither poets nor undertakers … are on most folks’ list of favorite things.”
Lynch seems to waiver between a stance as a religious and that of an agnostic. A resolution of his own spiritual state could galvanize his writing. He seeks to live “a hyphenated life,” juggling his writing with “the contingencies of life and death.” To my mind, mortuary science is not the muse for great poetry. At times his writing is ponderous, and other times almost unintelligible.
His descriptions of the evolution of funerals and grief and cremation were tedious, as was the Lacrimae Rerum: A Play in One Act, which appears abruptly in this section.
The book is filled with family vignettes interspersed with some poetry, some ramblings, and some jumbled prose. I never sensed a purpose or flow to the story. I normally read for pleasure and was certainly not entertained by this book.
VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Not guilty. I failed to see a point in this book, much less the author's stated purpose.
Whence and Whither by Thomas Lynch
CHARGE (What was the author trying to say?): The author explores “How did you come to be the one you are … if every cradle asks us where, surely every coffin makes us question whither?”
FACTS: I am still not sure why I requested to read an advance copy of a book by a mortician/poet. I’m not really a fan of poetry or death. The author seems to realize this going to be hard sell “neither poets nor undertakers … are on most folks’ list of favorite things.”
Lynch seems to waiver between a stance as a religious and that of an agnostic. A resolution of his own spiritual state could galvanize his writing. He seeks to live “a hyphenated life,” juggling his writing with “the contingencies of life and death.” To my mind, mortuary science is not the muse for great poetry. At times his writing is ponderous, and other times almost unintelligible.
His descriptions of the evolution of funerals and grief and cremation were tedious, as was the Lacrimae Rerum: A Play in One Act, which appears abruptly in this section.
The book is filled with family vignettes interspersed with some poetry, some ramblings, and some jumbled prose. I never sensed a purpose or flow to the story. I normally read for pleasure and was certainly not entertained by this book.
VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Not guilty. I failed to see a point in this book, much less the author's stated purpose.
March 6, 2019
Whence and Whither is a series of poems, fiction and nonfiction pieces on the topic of living. The author is a mortician and a National Book Award finalist. Who among us is better prepared for such writings?
Lynch has a profound demand of the English language and a unique manner of observing people, circumstances and fare.
You fight to find a place to set the book down. It's late. You're tired. Your mind is taxed. But, find a place you must. There are tasks to be done tomorrow.
Lynch has a profound demand of the English language and a unique manner of observing people, circumstances and fare.
You fight to find a place to set the book down. It's late. You're tired. Your mind is taxed. But, find a place you must. There are tasks to be done tomorrow.
March 7, 2019
“Whence and Whither: On Lives and Living,” is a collection of writings by Thomas Lynch. Lynch is a poet who also happens to be a funeral director. He is known for his observations on death. “Whence and Whither,” as its subtitle indicates, is much more about life and living it well. It’s easy to see that lynch is a poet, first and foremost. His words go down like milk and honey, for the most part. He, like so many artists, also has no problem questioning the status quo.
Lynch doesn’t spare religion In this quest. He is cynical toward the church, as a whole, especially the Catholic Church. The book is ranked in Christian and theology categories; yet, at times he seems to question the very existence of God. Even though I didn’t agree with many of the writer’s opinions, I found his writing to be excellent. It was much like meeting an interesting stranger and after a couple of hours of conversation, feeling like you’ve grown, somehow. Growth almost always requires looking at things from a point of view from which you haven’t previously.
One section (several pages, in fact) of prose was used, word for word in 2 separate essays In, “Whence and Whither.” This was a bit confusing for me as the reader. I spent a bit of time double checking the text to make sure I wasn’t crazy. I was correct about the repeated text. The jury is still out on the issue of my sanity.
I truly enjoyed “Whence And Whither.” There was poetry, essays on a variety of topics, and even a play (which I loved!). He included many stories from his extensive time spent in Ireland. I liked the writing style and the author’s honesty and transparency. He has a lifetime of experience, from which we can learn much.
One of the many passages I made note of was this: “All I can testify to are the times I knew that, if God is love, as John instructs us, Then I’ve seen God and more than once. And not where I expected.” This is a good description of how I felt reading, “Whence and Whither.” I was in awe at the wisdom and beauty I found in the writings of a man who I largely disagreed with on many topics.
Lynch didn’t write a whole lot on issues of death and grief. If you are hoping to read the author’s thoughts on death and grieving, you might be better served by reading his other book, “The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade.” If you are looking for thought-provoking writings about life from a top-notch poet, “Whence and Whither,” is a book I would highly recommend.
I give “Whence And Whither” 4 enthusiastic stars.
You can preorder “Whence and Whither” until March 12, 2019. At that time it will be published and available for sale. Thank you to Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lynch doesn’t spare religion In this quest. He is cynical toward the church, as a whole, especially the Catholic Church. The book is ranked in Christian and theology categories; yet, at times he seems to question the very existence of God. Even though I didn’t agree with many of the writer’s opinions, I found his writing to be excellent. It was much like meeting an interesting stranger and after a couple of hours of conversation, feeling like you’ve grown, somehow. Growth almost always requires looking at things from a point of view from which you haven’t previously.
One section (several pages, in fact) of prose was used, word for word in 2 separate essays In, “Whence and Whither.” This was a bit confusing for me as the reader. I spent a bit of time double checking the text to make sure I wasn’t crazy. I was correct about the repeated text. The jury is still out on the issue of my sanity.
I truly enjoyed “Whence And Whither.” There was poetry, essays on a variety of topics, and even a play (which I loved!). He included many stories from his extensive time spent in Ireland. I liked the writing style and the author’s honesty and transparency. He has a lifetime of experience, from which we can learn much.
One of the many passages I made note of was this: “All I can testify to are the times I knew that, if God is love, as John instructs us, Then I’ve seen God and more than once. And not where I expected.” This is a good description of how I felt reading, “Whence and Whither.” I was in awe at the wisdom and beauty I found in the writings of a man who I largely disagreed with on many topics.
Lynch didn’t write a whole lot on issues of death and grief. If you are hoping to read the author’s thoughts on death and grieving, you might be better served by reading his other book, “The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade.” If you are looking for thought-provoking writings about life from a top-notch poet, “Whence and Whither,” is a book I would highly recommend.
I give “Whence And Whither” 4 enthusiastic stars.
You can preorder “Whence and Whither” until March 12, 2019. At that time it will be published and available for sale. Thank you to Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2019
It's Lent and I often select a book to read that is a thought provoker. Written by an undertaker from Milford, MI this one fits that bill. Sectioned into essays about what comes next and how death is viewed by many; this one is most definitely a somber sort of read.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2019
As a healthcare professional who has worked with many dying patients, I was intrigued by the premise of the book written by an undertaker and poet. I think there are some great insights and reflections, but I honestly found many of the essays a bit dry and hard to follow. At times it read as though the author was rambling and not really making a case for the topic at hand. Perhaps it was my lack of familiarity with the author or what to expect. There is some humor and moments of revelation, but I just never felt like it reached its full potential.
Thanks to Netgalley and Westminster John Knox Press for the chance to read an advance reader's copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Westminster John Knox Press for the chance to read an advance reader's copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews