Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
Happiness
What happens when a college assignment leads to uncovering the truth behind a decades-old murder mystery? 'The Life We Bury,' Allen Eskens' debut novel, catches readers' attention from the first page. It includes suspense, emotion, and moral depth. Keep reading as we examine the novel's plot, characters, and themes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to one of the most compelling literary thrillers of the past decade.
This mystery novel is a meditation on truth, forgiveness, and the burdens of life. With a protagonist as vulnerable as he is determined, and a dying convict whose story challenges everything you think you know about guilt, this book will leave you questioning the line between justice and perception.
If you love stories that mix deep emotions with exciting twists, you'll find plenty more on the Headway app. Join 50 million users who are enjoying short, easy-to-read summaries on a variety of topics, making it simple to dive into inspiring content anytime.
Five key takeaways from 'The Life We Bury' that you should know
College student Joe Talbert receives a writing assignment for his English class.
He chooses to write a biography for Carl Iverson, a dying Vietnam vet convicted of assault and murder.
Joe uncovers evidence suggesting Carl's innocence.
Joe and his girlfriend are kidnapped at different points while investigating the real killer.
Carl is exonerated, and Joe settles in his new life with his girlfriend and autistic brother.
Love quick reads?
Explore 2,000+ book summaries in the Headway app – your daily boost for growth and inspiration.
Try nowWhat happens in 'The Life We Bury': Summary and key themes
Before learning the novel's revelations in 'The Life We Bury,' you should be familiar with the emotional and narrative background that Allen Eskens establishes. At first, Joe Talbert thinks it's just a simple college assignment, but he's pulled into a decades-old murder case that challenges everything he thought he knew about justice, family, and himself.
The storyline is divided into four phases, each of which elevates the mystery and emotional stakes. If the themes of justice, family, and self-discovery in 'The Life We Bury' intrigue you, Headway offers bite-sized summaries of life-changing nonfictions that explore these philosophical ideas in depth.
1. An in-depth look at the novel's setup
Joe Talbert is a 21-year-old college student at the University of Minnesota. Tasked with writing a biography for his English class, Joe visits a nursing home and meets Carl Iverson, a Vietnam veteran and convicted murderer dying of cancer.
Carl was imprisoned for the assault and murder of a 14-year-old girl, Crystal Hagen, a case that was clear and simple for the authorities at the time.
Joe begins to dig into Carl's past, intrigued by inconsistencies in the case. He struggles with his own issues, having an alcoholic mother, Kathy, and an autistic brother, Jeremy. Even from the beginning, our protagonist struggles with choosing between his plans and his duties as Big Brother.
2. The start of an investigation
As Joe interviews Carl, he learns about his honorable military service and refusal to commit atrocities during the Vietnam War. With help from his neighbor, Lila Nash, and Carl's war buddy Virgil, Joe begins to believe Carl was wrongly convicted.
They uncover coded diary entries, with Jeremy's unexpected help, and manage to enlist the help of a detective and his professor friend. Their investigation points toward Crystal's stepbrother, Daniel Lockwood, who seemed to have blackmailed the young girl into providing sexual favors.
3. The climax's breakdown
With Carl's health quickly deteriorating, Joe and Lila must find the fastest way to prove his innocence. So, they manage to steal Daniel's garbage and obtain DNA evidence, but Daniel catches them.
He kidnaps Lila, which makes Joe bring the evidence to save her. During a tense standoff, Joe uses Jeremy's phone to call the police. Daniel's DNA matches several unsolved cases, confirming he's guilty.
5. Hard-sought resolution and closure
Carl's conviction is overturned, and he dies peacefully, finally recognized as innocent. Joe receives reward money for solving the cold cases, allowing him to care for Jeremy and continue his education. The novel ends with Joe gaining closure, both personally and morally, learning a powerful life lesson about justice, redemption, and the importance of doing what's right.
6. The eight key characters of this story
Allen Eskens has written a novel that breaks new ground in character development, generating suspense, emotional investment, and moral complexity.
In this novel, characters are the true reflections of the choices we make and truths we bury, whether it's a young man burdened by family responsibility or a dying convict who seeks redemption.
Struggling to keep it all in mind?
Receive daily recaps to turn knowledge into long-term wisdom.
Start now1) Joe Talbert: A 21-year-old college student with a troubled home life, Joe is the novel's main character and narrator.
He's intelligent, introspective, and driven by a strong moral compass. Despite his mother's alcoholism and the responsibility of caring for his autistic brother, Joe pursues the truth with tenacity, beyond the superficial levels of a class assignment.
2) Carl Iverson: A Vietnam War veteran dying of pancreatic cancer, Carl was convicted of assaulting and murdering a teenage girl decades earlier.
Initially appearing cold and enigmatic, Carl gradually reveals his integrity, pain, and remorse. His wartime experiences and refusal to commit atrocities contrast sharply with the crime he's accused of. Carl's story challenges readers to reconsider what redemption looks like and whether justice is done quickly, but not always after a thorough analysis.
3) Lila Nash: Joe's neighbor and eventual partner in the investigation, Lila is sharp, cautious, and emotionally guarded.
She has her own traumatic past, which makes her wary of trust. Her legal knowledge and emotional insight complement Joe's determination, and their evolving relationship adds a tender layer to the story's tension.
4) Jeremy Talbert: Jeremy is an 18-year-old autistic and nonverbal boy, deeply expressive in his own way.
He represents the innocence and emotional grounding in Joe's chaotic life. Jeremy's presence forces him to confront the weight of familial obligation and the sacrifices required to protect those we love.
5) Kathy Nelson: Joe's mother, Kathy, has alcoholism with a volatile personality.
Her neglect and erratic behavior create constant obstacles for Joe, especially regarding Jeremy's care. While she's often portrayed as a source of pain, her character also reflects the difficulty of breaking free from dysfunctional family dynamics.
6) Max Rupert: A detective who becomes instrumental in reopening Carl's case, Max is methodical and skeptical but ultimately open to the truth.
His involvement adds procedural weight to the investigation and shows how institutional figures can shift when confronted with compelling evidence.
7) Boady Sanden: A former criminal defense attorney, Boady represents the legal conscience of the novel.
Though initially reluctant to get involved again, his expertise and moral clarity help Joe navigate the complexities of the justice system. Boady later becomes the protagonist in Eskens' companion novel 'Nothing More Dangerous.'
8) Daniel Lockwood: The true antagonist of the story, Daniel is Crystal Hagen's stepbrother and the real killer.
Charismatic on the surface but deeply manipulative and dangerous, Daniel embodies the theme of hidden evil. His ability to evade justice for years underlines the novel's critique of flawed legal systems and society's blind spots.
Major themes and key takeaways
Joe's quest for answers and Carl's troubled past in 'The Life We Bury' center on three main themes: how truth is influenced, how justice sometimes fails, and how redemption can happen even in the worst of circumstances. Here's the detailed overview:
Justice vs. perception: The book shows the difference between moral guilt and legal conviction. Carl Iverson's case reveals how public opinion, the media, and available evidence can sometimes distort the pursuit of justice entirely. Joe learns that to uncover the truth, it's essential to question and confront uncomfortable realities.
Eskens reminds us that justice is just as much about verdicts as it is about integrity, persistence, and the courage to see beyond appearances.
Redemption and forgiveness: Carl's character arc is a meditation on redemption. Though convicted of a horrific crime that he did not commit, his conscience dictates his guilt for an incident that happened during wartime. He has chosen not to see the heroism behind his act and is now seeking peace before death.
Joe's willingness to listen and investigate offers Carl a chance at moral redemption, while Joe himself learns to forgive, not just others, but himself as well.
Family responsibility: Joe's relationship with his autistic brother Jeremy and his troubled mother Kathy adds emotional weight to the story. His struggle to balance personal ambition with familial duty reflects the tension many face between self-preservation and caregiving.
The author portrays family not as a source of comfort, but a place where love, resentment, and responsibility collide.
Truth and moral courage: At its core, 'The Life We Bury' is about the pursuit of truth. Joe's decision to dig deeper into Carl's story, despite doubt and danger, exemplifies moral courage.
The novel celebrates those who choose integrity over convenience, and truth over silence, even when the cost is high. It is a call to action for anyone who has ever felt the weight of doing what is right in a world that often rewards what is easy.
Who is Allen Eskens?
Readers and critics alike have taken a shine to Allen Eskens' transformation from a criminal defense attorney to a bestselling author. His legal background provides authenticity and depth to the courtroom and investigatory elements in 'The Life We Bury,' making this novel a hit with legal thriller and mystery enthusiasts.
Eskens' first novel gained traction quickly on sites such as Amazon and Goodreads, where it earned excellent book reviews and was frequently chosen for book clubs. It is also available as an audiobook through Audible, making it easy for users to listen to on-the-go adventures.
His writing has received numerous acknowledgments, including the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original and nominations for the Edgar Award (Best First Novel), the Anthony Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. Eskens is often included on curated booklists of the best contemporary crime fiction.
If 'The Life We Bury' caught your attention, these seven books on Headway are a must-read:
'Educated' by Tara Westover: a New York Times bestseller about a young woman breaking through the chains of patriarchy and overcoming family dysfunction and trauma.
'The Gifts of Imperfection' by Brené Brown: A work that encourages self-acceptance and healing.
'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl: A popular self-help book that discusses the means of finding purpose in suffering.
'Daring Greatly' by Brené Brown: It celebrates vulnerability and courage, qualities Joe embodies in his pursuit of truth.
'12 Rules for Life' by Jordan Peterson: A practical guide to personal responsibility and discipline, helping readers navigate life's challenges, much like Joe's journey toward moral and personal clarity.
'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay: This book offers valuable insights into overcoming past trauma, much like Joe's journey to healing from his troubled past.
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot: A compelling story about medical ethics and legacy, echoing themes of truth and justice found in 'The Life We Bury.'
With Headway, you can dive into powerful nonfiction in minutes, whether you prefer reading or listening. Explore our bite-sized summaries, which are also available in audio format (similar to an audiobook), and use our app as a productivity tool to make learning a daily habit!
Boost your determination with more books like 'The Life We Bury' on Headway
'The Life We Bury' is a meditation on the human condition. Allen Eskens invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths and says that moral courage often comes from the most unexpected places.
Through Joe Talbert's journey, we witness the transformation of a young man burdened by family and circumstance into someone who dares to challenge the system, protect the vulnerable, and seek truth no matter the cost.
Enjoyed this story? If you're looking for more like it, Headway offers bite-sized 2000+ summaries of the best books, so it's easy to learn new ideas and get fresh insights with us. More than 55 million daily growth seekers have already joined the app, so be the one who makes daily learning a habit too.
Download the Headway app now and dive into a world of knowledge in just 15 minutes a day!
Frequently asked questions about 'The Life We Bury' novel
What's the main theme of 'The Life We Bury'?
The main theme of 'The Life We Bury' is justice and redemption. Joe's investigation into long-kept secrets regarding Carl's conviction had a profound effect and demonstrated how people are shaped by their past. In addition, Joe's quest for personal closure is central to the narrative, which also heavily emphasizes themes of forgiveness and familial loyalty.
What happened at the end of 'The Life We Bury'?
At the end of 'The Life We Bury,' Joe uncovers the truth about Carl's wrongful conviction. Carl is exonerated, and Joe, with the reward money from solving the case, begins to care for his brother Jeremy and plans for his future, achieving emotional and moral closure from his past struggles.
Who was the killer in 'The Life We Bury'?
In 'The Life We Bury,' the killer turns out to be a man named Daryl, Carl's former friend. While Carl was wrongly convicted of the crime, the truth is eventually revealed when Joe uncovers the key pieces of evidence. This revelation changes the course of the story and Carl's fate.
Is 'The Life We Bury' being made into a movie?
Yes, 'The Life We Bury' is being adapted into a movie. It's a promising story that will be a captivating cinematic experience due to its intriguing blend of mystery, justice, and redemption. The novel's compelling plot and profoundly emotional themes are anticipated to be reflected in the film adaptation.
What's the symbolism in 'The Life We Bury'?
Symbolism is used in 'The Life We Bury' to explore the themes of guilt and redemption. For example, Carl's wrongful imprisonment, as well as Joe's desire to find the truth. The former is a metaphor for judgment; when one errors in judgment, it impacts the present. The latter is a metaphor for healing, reconciliation, and acceptance.
