A book about death has no right being this beautiful. But somehow — surprisingly, miraculously — Campbell frames the death industry as a work of art, a demonstration of love and tenderness, and a testimony to some of the noblest, most thankless jobs.

She quotes William Gladstone to conclude her journey: “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure, with mathematical exactness, the tender mercy of its people, their respect for the law of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.”

I’m a little less scared of death after reading this book. And for that, five stars are not nearly enough.