Remembrance Man

by Nicholas Kinsey

During the 1832 cholera epidemic, Paolo is a gravedigger and 'remembrance man' whose job is to watch over selected graves at night for signs of the undead. He discovers a young woman who has been buried alive and is drawn into a terrifying story of revenge and insanity.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2020

About the author

Nicholas Kinsey is a Canadian / British writer and director of feature films and television drama. He has been a successful director, scriptwriter, director of photography, film editor, and producer over a long career. He is the owner and producer at Cinegrafica Films (www.cinegrafica.net) since 2014. As a screenwriter Kinsey has written some 20 feature and television drama screenplays and directed 5 feature films and hundreds of dramas and documentaries. He has written five novels of historical fiction.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembrance Man is not at all what I expected, and I mean that in a good way! I knew from the description that it was set in Western Canada in 1832 during the cholera epidemic. I learned early in the book that a remembrance man was a man who stayed in the cemetery overnight to listen for signs of life in case someone was accidentally buried alive. Reeds were set in the coffins so that the remembrance man could hear them moan or call out. The first few chapters focus on the devastation that the cholera epidemic wrought on the families in the small town of St. Francis. But not too far in the book becomes a tale of madness, murder, deception, and justice. Paolo, a grave digger and remembrance man, and Emily, a member of the well to do Grenville family, are the two primary characters. There are numerous supporting players in the story, though, and each plays an important part as the story unfolds. The tale goes in directions unexpected but it all makes sense and feels right.

Mr. Kinsey has written a novel full of suspense while also giving us an excellent description of life in 1832 Canada. He gives some history of the cholera epidemic at the start of the book, before he dives into the novel, and that is very helpful as are the drawings that depict descriptions in this introduction. The s tory moves along rapidly and one has no idea who will survive – anything is possible with cholera, madness and murder all happening at once! The characters are vividly drawn, the editing is excellent, and the ending is satisfying (at least it was to me). The book is complete and while there could be a sequel, I can be happy with this one book. Mr. Kinsey explains that he started this story some years ago as a screenplay but eventually turned it into a novel. I think it would make an excellent miniseries, maybe 4-6 hours. Remembrance Man will give you history and suspense and a fast moving tale all in one book. A reader cannot ask for more than that.

I received an Advance Reader Copy for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remembrance Man - I am disappointed in the vulgar language in an otherwise interesting and immersing story. Besides the deaths from cholera, there are many intriguing deaths attributed to it. Interesting story lines and interesting characters set at a constant pace made for easy, entertaining read about the area near York (Toronto) and its inhabitants during the 1832 cholera epidemic. Not your usual plague story. Source: BookSirens. 4*

Shipwrecked Lives - An interesting story but a bit long winded. Well written and easy to read with a good blend of fact and fiction. Source: BookSirens. 4*

An Absolute Secret - I had a hard time getting into the story but it turned into an interesting, although wordy, read. Source: BookSirens. 4*

White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave - Worried about the length of this book, I wasn't sure what I was getting into but I soon forgot about the number as I became immersed in the pages. Well written, the author uses actual history to weave an interesting, intriguing narration about a town in Ireland that had its population captured and sold into slavery.

Through my years of historical research, I knew many of my ancestors were slaves during different periods of conquests, whether the Vikings or the Romans or the 'crews' of Khan and the Hun, to name a few 'winners'. I never knew about Baltimore and its inhabitants, although I had read much about slavery, and history, worldwide.

The interesting story lines about the lives of the slaves run true to other historical books I have encountered through the decades. In his note to the reader, the author makes a comparison between the European slaves verses the Black slaves that began near the end of this story. Sure, the numbers are greater looking at one period of history, but the complete history of man will show greater numbers of slavery per race. After all, we have all been slaves at one time or another. Unfortunately, for some slavery still exists. Source: BookSirens. 4*

[Rachel Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembrance Man is a dark, immersive historical thriller that captures the fear, chaos, and moral collapse during the 1832 cholera epidemic in Western Ontario. Nicholas Kinsey skillfully blends historical fact with elements of horror, weaving a story that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant.
The protagonist, Paolo, serves as a “remembrance man” guarding graves for the undead,a chilling concept that adds tension and intrigue to an already grim setting. The discovery of a young woman buried alive draws Paolo into a story of revenge, madness, and societal breakdown, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
Kinsey’s depiction of the epidemic is meticulous and vivid. The suffering, panic, and mistrust that rip through communities are portrayed with historical accuracy and human detail, making the setting feel authentic and immersive. The combination of historical horror and suspenseful mystery creates a gripping narrative that explores human desperation and resilience in the face of overwhelming fear.

Remembrance Man is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, dark suspense, and horror, offering both a haunting glimpse into the past and a thrilling, page turning story.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas Kinsey's "Remembrance Man" is a gripping novel that explores the aftermath of the cholera epidemic in Western Ontario in 1832. The story takes place against the backdrop of the Canadian prairie, vividly portraying the suffering of victims and the bleakness of the "blue plague" days. The book delves into the lives of various characters, rich and poor, and their behavior, dress, and customs, including religious revivals, songs, and poems of the time. The main character, Paolo, works as a gravedigger by day and a "remembrance man" by night, tasked with watching graves for signs of the undead. His encounter with Emily, who was buried alive, leads him on a thrilling journey of revenge and madness in a society where family members turn on each other, and everyone is out for themselves. The suspenseful tale concludes with Paolo seeking justice to clear his name of murder charges and finding freedom with Emily.

[Lauren Garlitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It was informative, as well as entertaining. I was invested in the story and in the fate of the Remembrance Man, Paolo, and his love interest, Emily. Also, because of the way the author wrote about additional characters I was in it for them, too. Even with several characters mentioned throughout the book they were easy to keep up with. This was a can’t put down book for me and I finished it quickly.

If you enjoy historical fiction, a twinge of romance, and some mystery and justice pick up this book and give it a read.

I was lucky enough to receive this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembrance Man pulled me in with its unique premise set during the 1832 cholera epidemic. Following Paolo, a man tasked with guarding graves to ensure no one is buried alive, the story blends real history with suspense, emotion, and moral depth. The setting feels authentic, the characters are compelling, and the tension never lets go. This is a haunting, well-written book that stays with you after you finish it. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a darker, thought-provoking edge.

[Jeffrey Kuehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got free ebook via publishing company.
Story of when Cholera outbreak in 1830’s
Never knew of this and historical details good.
Story was of cholera men who collected bodies. Remembrance men watched and listened via a tube into coffin because of lots of false death burials.
This the story starts with a family trying to rid itself of a troublesome member. A whirlwind of various stories of murder, greed, theft ensue.

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I learned alot about cholera epidemic and the fear it caused.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I liked the historical cholera epidemic context more than the actual plot itself.

[Bernie Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

a riveting read. interesting Canadian history thrown in too !