A Now Departing

A Small-Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between

De: Victor M. Sweeney

Narrado por: Victor M. Sweeney

In this unique and thoughtful collection, a young funeral director—also known as “the internet’s favorite mortician” (CNBC)—explores various aspects of death, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how we determine what matters most while we are alive. This evocative book is for fans of Thomas Lynch, Mary Roach, and Caitlin Doughty.

Now Departing explores the science, craft, and mindfulness behind Victor M. Sweeney’s very peculiar skill set. Working in the funeral business since he was eighteen years old, Sweeney astutely shares the powerful and moving lessons of how we can exist and be remembered with intention and meaning.

The book is filled with reflective observations and true stories from the lives and deaths that Sweeney has come to know through his work in a small Minnesota town. With grace and understanding, he also explores the rituals around preparing and saying goodbye to those we mourn; the love and forgiveness that arises in the face of grief; the universal interplay of walking between the chasm of the mundanity of a required business practice that touches on humanity’s deepest metaphysical realities; and ultimately, how loss gives us the opportunity to focus on and celebrate the elements we have gained.

©2025 Victor M. Sweeney (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Very fun listen. See description

I am no bookworm, but I really enjoy things like these. I’ve always been a fan of memoirs and biographies—especially on people whom I admire. If Mr. Sweeney is your favorite undertaker, you should really enjoy this.

The chapters are neatly organized and stay on track, along with a few side-nuggets here and there, which is always a treat.

His narration skills are second-to-none. He’s a very charismatic speaker and clearly has an aptitude for communicating with others. He gets an idea across, and it feels as if you were having a conversation with him when listening.

As I don’t usually read on my own time, I have nothing to really compare this book to, so I’m giving it a perfect score, because I really enjoyed it. That’s all. Thanks Victor.

My only real complaint is that it wasn’t longer!

Great listen, very interesting subject matter

The author has a great way of sharing stories and making his work relatable. Narration was excellent - that’s always a gamble when the author reads their own book. Not all authors are cut out to be narrators, but this is a 5-star performance. If you are on the fence on giving this one a try, this is your push to listen. You won’t regret it.

Outstanding Undertaker

There have been many books the past few years by funeral directors, morticians, undertakers and other wanna be's but this one is what it is about. Not since Thomas Lynch's writings, have I connected so deeply with another undertaker's thoughts and stories as this book.
Victor has perfectly told his stories, as well as the feelings and responsibilities of being one who cares for the dead.
Well done and thank you Mr Sweeney.