Book Review: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Reviewed By: Jennifer Jordan

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Mary Roach
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Medical
W. W. Norton; 2003; 292 pages - Science/Medicine/Death

So, I'm sitting here reading this book about cadavers. And laughing. I find myself looking around hoping no one notices, then I hope someone does. Then I could yap about this book that has me spouting about putrification and the joys of entomology. I am looking at the world in a new way and I find myself thankful for those anonymous people that have donated their bodies to research. And laughing. Mary Roach uses dark humor to make a subject most of us wouldn't go near without funeral approachable and tells a fascinating tale of what happens behind closed coffin lids.

The introduction opens with the line The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent on your back. From the Body Farm, a mortuary, car crash collision research and startling insights into the history of cadaver research, Mary Roach leaves no gravestone unturned. She asks the questions we'd want to, but wouldn't dare. The descriptions are thorough, but not unnecessarily graphic. The author treats the subject with respect and curiosity as her tongue is planted firmly in her cheek. Two chapters that keep the attention riveted concern the ethics of cadaver and crucifixion research. They give the modern and historical perspective on the scruples of death. Wrapping up on life beyond cremation, Ms. Roach relates two of the newest, and diametrically opposed, techniques of plastification and composting. After seeing, and even smelling, it all, Ms. Roach tells us of how she'll rest in peace.

Roachs ability to humanely, yet humorously, describe the macabre is oddly appealing. Stiff is well researched and meticulously footnoted, yet pulsing with life. I expected a dry tome and found it a compulsive read.

Jennifer Jordan

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jennifer Jordan