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The Brief History of the Dead, by Kevin Brockmeier is really two separate stories, running in parallel lines but with delicate threads which interweave one with the other. The first story is of the mysterious City and its inhabitants, all of whom are recently deceased. Why do these disparate characters find themselves in the admittedly pleasant City, and when they begin to disappear, what is the cause? The second story is that of Laura Byrd, scientist currently working in the Antarctic, and stranded alone with dwindling supplies in a totally hostile environment. This is a tale of memory and remembrance. Its images are beautiful and drawn with great intricacy of detail. To tell more of the plot would be to ruin the experience for the reader.