College student Joe Talbert is faced with a challenging English assignment: to interview a stranger and write a brief biography. Seeking a subject, Joe meets Carl Iverson, a dying Vietnam veteran and convicted murderer, who has been paroled to a nursing home after spending thirty years in prison for rape and murder. Intrigued by Carl’s story and conflicted by his past, Joe delves into Carl’s life, especially his heroism in Vietnam, trying to reconcile the soldier with the convict.
As Joe investigates, he is hindered by his dysfunctional family, including his guilt over his autistic brother, and haunted by childhood memories. Joined by his neighbor, Lila, Joe unravels the truth behind Carl’s conviction. However, as they dig deeper, they uncover dark secrets that put them in danger. Will Joe uncover the truth before it’s too late? This gripping novel explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impact of the past on the present.
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“The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens is a captivating novel that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impact of the past on the present. The story follows college student Joe Talbert, who is tasked with interviewing a stranger for an English assignment. Joe meets Carl Iverson, a dying Vietnam veteran and convicted murderer, who has been paroled to a nursing home after serving thirty years in prison for rape and murder.
As Joe delves into Carl’s life, particularly his heroism in Vietnam, he struggles to reconcile the image of the soldier with the convict. Joined by his neighbor, Lila, Joe is determined to uncover the truth behind Carl’s conviction, despite facing challenges from his dysfunctional family and haunting childhood memories.
Through a gripping narrative, Eskens weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The novel also explores complex issues such as family dynamics, the justice system, and the power of forgiveness. As Joe and Lila unravel the mysteries surrounding Carl’s past, they discover unexpected truths that challenge their perceptions and lead them to question their own lives.
Overall, “The Life We Bury” is a thought-provoking novel that offers a compelling look at the human experience. With its well-developed characters and gripping plot, Eskens’ debut novel is a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction.
