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Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Death & dying
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Our Grateful Dead - Stories of Those Left Behind (Hardcover)
Loot Price: R2,038
Discovery Miles 20 380
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Our Grateful Dead - Stories of Those Left Behind (Hardcover)
Series: Posthumanities
Expected to ship within 12 - 19 working days
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An award-winning exploration of the presence of the dead in the
lives of the living A common remedy after suffering the loss of a
loved one is to progress through the "stages of grief," with
"acceptance" as the final stage in the process. But is it necessary
to leave death behind, to stop dwelling on the dead, to get over
the pain? Vinciane Despret thinks not. In her fascinating,
elegantly translated book, this influential thinker argues that, in
practice, people in all cultures continue to enjoy a lively,
inventive, positive relationship with their dead. Through her
unique storytelling woven from ethnographic sources and her own
family history, Despret assembles accounts of those who have found
ways to live their daily lives with their dead. She rejects the
idea that one must either subscribe to "complete mourning" (in a
sense, to get rid of the dead) or else fall into fantasy and
superstition. She explores instead how the dead still play an
active, tangible role through those who are living, who might
assume their place in a family or in society; continue their labor
or art; or thrive from a shared inheritance or an organ donation.
This is supported by dreams and voices, novels, television and
popular culture, the work of clairvoyants, and the everyday stories
and activities of the living. For decades now, in the West, the
dead have been discreet and invisible. Today, especially as a
result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Despret suggests that perhaps we
will be willing to engage with the dead in ways that bring us
happiness despite our loss. Despret's unique method of inquiry
makes her book both entertaining and instructive. Our Grateful Dead
offers a new, pragmatic approach to social and cultural research
and may indeed provide compassionate therapy for those of us coping
with death.
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