I never gave much thought to the work needed to deal with the dead. Campbell provides a comprehensive overview of various professions from funeral home directors to autopsy performers to bereavement midwives to grave diggers to disaster response teams and more. While each vignette was fascinating in its own right, her conclusions was even better.

Why do people choose this industry? Why is it so fragmented? Folks choose this industry because they find meaning in helping those grief stricken. Sure, coffin salesmen may have a bad reputation, but as funeral become a less religious affair, women enter the industry even more as they are drawn to what is ultimately a position of care and comfort. And the industry is fragmented because if it weren't so, those in it would be overwhelmed with grief. Keeping each facet segmented is necessary to preserve objectivity.

What a fascinating read. My empathy for those who work with the dead has skyrocketed