The Peruvian Book of the Dead

by Roger J. Florschutz

" It's been fifteen years since Brisdon vanished into thin air... " So begins a story that will take you from post-war Scotland to the art-world of London and New York, across the Peruvian countryside during the rise of Shining Path, and to a secluded Ontario summer resort during its darkest hours. The Peruvian Book of the Dead weaves four separate narratives into a single tale of mystery, love, and horror as it examines the effects of guilt and regret, secrets and lies, and shows us how the enigma of the heart will ultimately reveal its mysteries.
"... a capable and talented writer..." - New Star Books "The Peruvian Book of the Dead is a very fine novel: a very compelling story..." - Coach House Press

401 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[Cloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up with a friend off the middle of a shelf knowing nothing about it (other than the author being Canadian too)and this book turned out to be such a great surprise.
The story is intriguing and the author builds complex characters which I got so attached too through out the book.
Looking forward to see what else this author publishes in the future.

[Wendy Dausett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me engaged right from the beginning, and I was very invested with the characters presented in this beautiful story of lives intertwined.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second half of the book had me gripped! My heart was so invested in all of the characters and the depth of the writing had me on a roller coaster of emotions feeling everything right along with them. Loved it!

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: "The Peruvian Book of the Dead" by Roger Florschutz ✨😍📚

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary literary journey unlike any other with Roger Florschutz's dazzling debut novel, "The Peruvian Book of the Dead." This remarkable tale transcends genre boundaries, seamlessly blending mystery, love, and horror into a tapestry of intrigue and emotion that will leave readers spellbound.

At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic disappearance of museum curator John Brisdon Noxon, a mystery that unfolds through the perspectives of four distinct and compelling characters. From Brisdon's devoted wife, Imogen, to his passionate lover, César, each character's story intertwines with the others, creating a rich and multi-layered narrative that captivates from beginning to end.

What truly sets this novel apart is Florschutz's masterful command of storytelling techniques. Through the ingenious use of Brisdon's journal and the skillful interweaving of multiple viewpoints, the story unfolds with a depth and complexity that is as breathtaking as it is immersive. Readers are drawn into the lives of each character, experiencing their triumphs and tribulations with a visceral intensity that is both haunting and exhilarating.

But "The Peruvian Book of the Dead" is more than just a mystery—it is a meditation on the human condition, a profound exploration of guilt, regret, and the search for redemption. As the narrative unfolds across decades and continents, Florschutz deftly navigates themes of identity, love, and the inexorable passage of time, inviting readers to ponder the profound mysteries of existence itself.

With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and masterful storytelling, "The Peruvian Book of the Dead" is a tour de force that announces Florschutz as a talent to watch in the world of literary fiction. Gripping, poignant, and utterly unforgettable, this novel is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.

For readers seeking a literary experience that will leave them breathless with wonder, "The Peruvian Book of the Dead" is an absolute must-read. Dive into this mesmerizing tale and discover why it has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world. 🤩😍📚✨ #LiteraryMasterpiece #MustRead

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Roger J. Florschutz's debut novel, The Peruvian Book of the Dead, readers are invited into a compelling mystery centered around the sudden and enigmatic disappearance of museum curator John Brisdon Noxon. The tale unfolds from four diverse perspectives, initiating with his wife Imogen's discovery of a journal addressed to Brisdon's sister, a character entwined with her own mysterious disappearance during childhood. Florschutz guides the reader toward a poignant and tragic conclusion through delicate and deliberate pacing.

What sets The Peruvian Book of the Dead apart is Florschutz's deft use of literary devices, specifically the incorporation of a journal and multiple overlapping narratives. The utilization of the "journal" approach lends authenticity to the story, making it resonate as a first-hand account rather than a conventional fictional narrative. Florschutz's mastery of weaving together multiple storylines and viewpoints adds depth and nuance, allowing readers not only to connect with each central character but also to see recurring characters and events through varied lenses. This layered storytelling technique never panders to the reader but challenges them to engage fully with the text, offering rich rewards for those who do.

Florschutz exhibits an acute understanding of human psychology, crafting vivid characters in their motivations, actions, and speech patterns. The novel does venture into dark thematic territory, so readers seeking lighter fare might need to look elsewhere. But for those prepared to embark on this intricate and thought-provoking journey, The Peruvian Book of the Dead stands as an exceptionally well-crafted and highly recommendable novel that showcases the emergence of a talented new voice in literary fiction.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was not at all what I imagined based on the title or the cover.

Ultimately, it was a love story. Or a series of love stories- of longing, of guilt, empathy and regret.

Each chapter dives into one of the main characters story. Unfolding, chapter by chapter.

Margaret, Brisdon and Karen’s mom, was compelling. Written with such description, I could actually see her on that fateful Halloween night when Karen was taken. Her emotion, almost palpable.

Brisdon, married to Imogen, brother to Karen and soul mate of Cesar’s- vanished 15 years ago.

I relied on my mom’s character notes to keep all the stories aligned in my brain as I was reading this. But, halfway in, I had them all figured out. And the story had me hooked and in desperate need to finish.

“You can only live with yourself for so long before the wrongs you have done begin to take their toll, a snake constricting you tighter every day until even the slightest breath is pure agony. “ (Margaret)

I cried at the end. Broken for what we knew was inevitable. Saddened for the loose ends that may never be tethered. Yet, grateful for the relationships that are able to mend and continue growing.

“We come to beginnings only at the end.” (Imogen)

This was a great read to start the year. Thanks @rogerjflorschutz for pulling me in, tugging at all my heartstrings, and reminding me that love has no limits in distance and time.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peruvian Book of the Dead is brilliantly alive. Spanning 80 years, the book has four narrators all linked together by fate, coincidence and blood. In 1983, Brisdon is a Canadian university student on a summer work term in Lima Peru where he meets and falls hard for César, a young, queer and elusive artist. When things go horribly wrong for them, Brisdon returns home vowing that part of his life to be over forever--until he meets César again thirty years later, at the art museum where Brisdon is now curator. César has his own story to tell, as he grows up alienated as a queer youth in a macho country yet with an ambition to become rich and world-famous, at the risk of losing his own true self. Margaret, Brisdon's beautiful mother, pulls herself from the poverty of post-WWII Scotland to become entangled in secrets and lies she cannot escape in the new life she has fashioned for herself. And in 2030, Imogen, Brisdon's indefatigable wife, who has suffered Brisdon's mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier, finally stumbles upon the answers to all the questions and secrets she, and others, have been looking to resolve. Evenly paced with moments of depth and beauty, humour and horror, The Peruvian Book of the Dead is latticed together by these four unforgettable narrators, all building up to an unsettling and powerful conclusion.