Tom Jokinen uses his somewhat morbid humor in the second half of the book to help bring the reader in. Tom Jokinen has a dry wit that works very well in this second half of Curtains. He describes funeral practices with a lot detail, inserting just a bit of commentary to keep the narrative both entertaining and informant. Additionally, he finds himself in some pretty funny situations. The commentary about the funeral industry was surprising. Tom Jokinen gave us information that I didn’t expect mainly, the growing popularity of cremation. It was really interesting to read about the politics between different funeral homes, as well as the relationships these institutions try to develop with the living. It’s these kinds of moments that make the book morbidly amusing yet worth reading.
Quotes-
- "To richard and me the glasses are a prop. Same with the watch. To the families, they're the women who wore them." Pg 113
- "The factory at night is a menacing sight. Locking up my bike, thee only lights i can see are those of the airport to the west, and the open garage door of the crematorium, where adina and glenn are waiting for the delivery." Pg 123
- "Buffering the door handle on the back of the coach, and i think to myself: here's a species i've never encountered, the mellow funeral director."
Analysis-
What i found really both funny and sad was his morbid sense of humor. At one part he’s driving a hearse with a dead body behind him in the back and listening to Mr. Roboto. When reflecting about it, he turns off the radio, thinking that Mr. Roboto is probably not the best song to be playing when you send a person off. Tom Jokinen although allows his sense of humor to direct his commentary in can sometimes be a little dry (and not in a positive way) which i think takes away from the enjoyment some people might get.
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