In a poignant gathering at Ottawa’s historic Beechwood Cemetery in January 2024, local author Donna McCart Sharkey unveiled her newest work: A Death in the Family: Stories Obituaries Tell.
In her compelling collection of obituaries, the resilient writer has captured the essence of lives lost over 10 years. As Sharkey read from her book during the launch, story after story unfolded, revealing the intricate tapestry of humanity.
From the inspiration of war survivors to the intimate struggles with mental health, the obituaries in A Death in the Family offer a unique glimpse into the complex narratives that define us and prompt readers to confront the universal truths of life, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Local author Donna McCart Sharkey reading from her latest work A Death in the Family: Stories Obituaries Tell at Beechwood Cemetery in January 2024. Photo: Hollie James.
Highlighting the significance of obituaries in shaping how individuals are remembered by their families and communities, Sharkey emphasizes their importance in crafting a person’s legacy, enabling families to recollect the best aspects of their departed loved ones. Further, obituaries are moving stories, where one has one last chance to reflect on the struggles against disease, a love for dog racing, and the complex interplay of qualities that shape a person’s identity. Simply put, obituaries are a platform to celebrate lives lived.
Reflecting on her journey that initially sparked an interest in obituaries, Sharkey revealed that her exploration began four months after the sudden loss of her daughter in November 2013. The author found solace in consuming obituaries of other young adults, which she initially skipped past, becoming a dedicated reader and creating, for almost a decade, a unique archive of captivating short essays.
But the book is much more than a collection of death notices—Sharkey takes the time to explore various nuances such as the language employed, acknowledging obits as a rich source of metaphors that symbolize the journey from life to loss and highlighting the different ways death is often described: a gateway, a flight, a boat trip. Through these metaphors, obituaries become a literary reflection of cultural values, societal norms, and individual perspectives. A compelling exploration of the often-overlooked narratives that shape our understanding of life and death, Sharkey transforms mere announcements of loss into powerful windows that provide a peek into the diverse and labyrinthian lives that graced our world.
The book prompts readers to reflect on the stories they want to tell and be told, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the unique journey each individual takes in this fleeting existence.
In celebrating the lives of others through obituaries, individuals may find solace and inspiration in the shared human experiences of joy, struggle, and triumph. It becomes a contemplative process, allowing readers to reflect on their own lives, values, and relationships. Through this lens, obituaries become more than mere tributes; they transform into catalysts for personal growth and contemplation on the profound and inevitable aspect of mortality. Sharkey’s collection of poignant obituaries thus becomes a medium through which readers navigate the intricate tapestry of life and death, ultimately finding a meaningful connection with the shared human experience.
A Death in the Family: Stories Obituaries Tell is available at Perfect Books at 258 Elgin Street.