“My neighbors and teachers, friends and family, circled an arbitrary spot no far from where I’d been killed. My father, sister and brother heard the singing again once they were outside. Everything in my father leaned and pitched toward the warmth and light. h wanted so badly to hae me remembered in teh mind and hearts of everyone. I knew something as I watched: almost everyone was saying goodbye to me.” (Page 209)

Susie Salmon is 14 years old when she’s murdered by a neighbourhood pedophile. From her own version of heaven, she watches over her home and family. Her siblings and friends grow up, her killer goes on to kill again and Susie witnesses it all, narrating with love and a gentle humour about the life she left behind.

This is a fascinating and absorbing book. The opening scene of Susie’s rape and murder is disturbing, but it’s not too overwhelming because the story is told calmy and factually, in short segments, by Susie herself. It sets the scene and emotional context for the rest of the book.

The story flows well. The characters are complex. In fact, sometimes they didn’t seem believable (in particular, Susie’s mother seems odd and I wish the author had spent more time exploring her particular perspective).

It’s bittersweet, watching Susie watch life go on without her. And ‘heaven’ is a fascinating place. It’s a good read.