Brandy Schillace – Death’s Summer Coat: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: Death’s Summer Coat
• Author: Brandy Schillace
• Genre: Non-fiction: Social Sciences & Humanities, History & Politics
• Pages: 272
• Published Year: 2017
• Publisher: Pegasus Books
• Language: English

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “Death’s Summer Coat,” Brandy Schillace takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of death and dying. This thought-provoking book explores how different cultures and time periods have approached mortality, from ancient burial practices to modern medical advancements. Schillace examines the concept of a “good death,” the impact of the Black Plague on our treatment of the dead, and the evolution of mourning fashion. With wit and compassion, she challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with death and encourages a more open dialogue about this universal human experience.

Key Takeaways

• Our understanding and treatment of death have evolved significantly throughout history
• Different cultures have unique approaches to death, dying, and mourning
• Modern medical advancements have blurred the lines between life and death, creating new ethical dilemmas
• Developing a healthier relationship with death can lead to more meaningful grieving processes
• Exploring historical and cultural perspectives on death can provide valuable insights for contemporary society

My Summary

Unveiling the Mysteries of Death: A Journey Through Time and Culture

As I turned the final page of Brandy Schillace’s “Death’s Summer Coat,” I found myself both enlightened and introspective. This book is a fascinating exploration of how humans have grappled with the concept of death throughout history, and it’s left me with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of our relationship with mortality.

The Universal Human Experience

One of the most striking aspects of Schillace’s work is how it highlights the universality of death while showcasing the incredible diversity in how different cultures approach it. As someone who’s always been curious about anthropology, I was captivated by the descriptions of various death rituals and beliefs from around the world.

For instance, the author’s discussion of the Wari tribe’s practice of necrophagy – the ritualized eating of the deceased – was particularly thought-provoking. While it may seem shocking to our modern sensibilities, Schillace presents it in a way that helps us understand the deep love and respect behind this custom. It made me reflect on how our own funerary practices might appear to outsiders and question why we’ve become so detached from the physical realities of death.

The Evolution of “Good Death”

Another concept that resonated with me was the idea of a “good death” and how it has changed over time. In today’s fast-paced world, we often avoid thinking about death until it’s upon us. But Schillace’s exploration of medieval attitudes towards dying – where people would spend years preparing spiritually and practically for their demise – made me wonder if we’ve lost something valuable in our modern approach.

As a blogger who often writes about personal development, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between this historical practice and the modern emphasis on mindfulness and living with intention. Perhaps by acknowledging our mortality more openly, we could lead richer, more purposeful lives.

The Impact of Medical Advancements

One of the most thought-provoking sections of the book deals with how modern medicine has complicated our understanding of death. Schillace delves into the ethical dilemmas created by technologies that can keep bodies functioning long after what would have been considered death in earlier times.

The case of Jahi McMath, a young girl declared brain dead but kept on life support due to her family’s wishes, particularly struck me. It raises profound questions about the nature of consciousness, the definition of life, and the rights of families versus medical professionals. As someone who has had to make difficult decisions about end-of-life care for a loved one, I found this discussion both personally relevant and deeply moving.

Memento Mori: Remembering Death in Life

The concept of “memento mori” – remember you will die – runs throughout the book, and I found it particularly fascinating in the context of Victorian England. The description of post-mortem photography, where deceased loved ones were posed as if alive for portraits, was both eerie and poignant.

While these practices might seem macabre to us now, they speak to a desire to maintain a connection with the deceased that I think many of us can relate to. In our digital age, where social media profiles can outlive their creators, we’re grappling with new forms of this same impulse. Schillace’s exploration of these historical practices provides valuable context for understanding our own evolving relationship with death and remembrance.

Grief in the Digital Age

Speaking of the digital age, I was particularly intrigued by Schillace’s discussion of how technology is shaping our mourning practices. The idea of Facebook memorials and apps that allow people to send messages from beyond the grave feels like something out of a science fiction novel, yet it’s our current reality.

As someone who’s active on social media, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these platforms can become virtual shrines to the deceased. While they can provide comfort and a sense of ongoing connection, Schillace raises important questions about whether they might also hinder the grieving process by making it harder to accept the finality of death.

Challenging Cultural Taboos

Throughout “Death’s Summer Coat,” Schillace consistently challenges the reader to confront their own discomfort with death. As I read, I found myself examining my own attitudes and realizing how much they’ve been shaped by cultural norms that I’ve never really questioned before.

The author’s discussion of more hands-on funerary practices in some cultures made me consider why we in the West have become so removed from the physical realities of death. Is our practice of immediately handing bodies over to professionals really the most healthy or meaningful way to deal with loss?

A Call for a New Relationship with Death

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Schillace’s book is her call for a reevaluation of our relationship with death. By exploring how other cultures and time periods have approached mortality, she invites us to question our own assumptions and consider alternative perspectives.

As I reflect on the book, I’m left with a sense that by facing death more openly and honestly, we might actually enrich our lives. It’s a challenging idea, but one that I think has the potential to lead to more meaningful connections, both with the living and with those we’ve lost.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

While “Death’s Summer Coat” is primarily a work of history and cultural exploration, I found myself considering how its insights could be applied to daily life. Here are a few ideas that occurred to me:

• Engaging in more open conversations about death with loved ones, including discussing end-of-life wishes
• Exploring different cultural traditions around death and grief to broaden our perspectives
• Considering how we might create more meaningful rituals for remembering and honoring the deceased
• Reflecting on our own mortality as a way to prioritize what truly matters in life
• Being more present and supportive for friends and family who are grieving, rather than avoiding the topic of death

In Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Read

Brandy Schillace’s “Death’s Summer Coat” is a remarkable book that manages to be both scholarly and deeply personal. Through her exploration of how different cultures and time periods have approached death, she invites us to examine our own beliefs and practices. While at times challenging, it’s ultimately a life-affirming work that encourages us to embrace our mortality as a way of living more fully.

As I close this review, I’m left with a question for you, dear readers: How has your own understanding of death been shaped by your culture and experiences? And how might a shift in perspective change the way you live? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.