Think about it; if the presumption of death is only a presumption, and therefore not necessarily true, then a piece of literature with such a gloomy name might have a certain air of lightness to it. This is a good thing, because it influences us to ignore the academic presentation of the material, which would otherwise give the experience a home-reading-over-the-weekend aspect it does not deserve.

What is the experience of reading this book? Given the theme, I rather expected to be preached to, with a hidden religious lesson at the end. We look into the concept of death and come to the conclusion that there may not be any such thing. Therefore, the author wants us to believe his own personal version of the situation.

No such thing.

This author is breaking down barriers, not so he can put up new ones of his own, but just because breaking down barriers is a good thing. Opening closed minds.

It is a book of ideas and poems, parables and quotes from famous philosophers. It’s very refreshing. There are odd small flashes of inspiration and/or humour that lift the tone out of the dull philosophical. I particularly liked, “Falling trees do not care who hears them.”

Read this book to learn and to enjoy what the author is trying to demonstrate. Don’t read waiting for the religious or philosophical punch line, because there isn’t one.

Recommended for people who like to sit over coffee or a drink and talk about stuff.

(4 / 5)