When John Died

Book Review

...a poignant comedy of errors that considers heritage, identity, and the legacies we leave behind.

Though John is never heard from in the text, his character is larger than life, emerging from the shadows as his relatives muse, argue, and reflect on a life lived on its own terms, out of touch with a harsh, critical family. Multiple characters lead John’s remembrance, with standouts being Lonnie Silberstein—an art dealer and John’s ex-partner—and Bonnie, John’s “sister and his closest sibling.” Lonnie’s perspective serves as someone who attends John’s funeral not out of obligation but out of love for the complicated human being he was, while Bonnie holds the weight of the entire Marquis family—who never quite understood John...

...Maxwell does a beautiful job of rendering interpersonal drama and portraying how some people, even after they’ve gone, are able to unite others. When John Died is a witty, wonderful story that explores themes of grief, sexuality, love, and the complicated nuances of being the odd one out.

Booklife review / Editor's Pick