The Death of Death by K. N. Parker

[Gnome]

The Death of Death is a very short (35page) story that gives thought on how someone gets to the after life but does not give much thought to what happens in the after life.

The story opens on a shadowy figure confronting a young girl who is about to die. The young girl almost seems to expect the news, she will die in 2 days, and immediately starts asking the shadowy figure questions. How do you know? (Part of the job.) How did you get the job? (Just happened.) What is your name? Are you dead? How did you die?

The shadowy figure returns to the place she calls home and spends time soul searching before she has to return to guide the little girl to her death.

This was a well written story which clearly settles into a gothic style similar to Tim Burton (intact the description that led me to reading this book mentions it is Burton inspired). Each character is briefly described but even with the brief description each character is vivid and lifelike (despite being dead). Each setting is also briefly described but equally vivid.

There is a small drawback in a few gruesome descriptions but that leads me to say that this book is intended for an older child who may have started reading YA (Amazon has this listed as a children's book).

I rate this book 4/4 and would reccomend it to someone who has an interest in myth or in gothic literature.