On Monday, June 10th, Chloe Melas, an NBC News entertainment correspondent, hosted a wonderful evening at Ambra in the West Village to celebrate the re-issue of The Joy of Funerals, 20th anniversary edition, written by author and New York Times contributor Alix Strauss.
Alix Strauss’ debut novel The Joy of Funerals was originally released in 2003 and was named Best Debut Novel by The New York Resident. The book navigates the lives of nine women through separate tales, expertly tied together by Nina, who attends the funerals of characters from the previous stories. Strauss’ undeniably witty and deeply humorous voice carries the reader through an exploration of the emotions that lie at the core of humanity – loneliness, grief, the profound need for connection. The funerals provide an unexpected yet fitting backdrop for Strauss’ brilliant examination, likely due to Strauss’ own fondness for funerals. As an only child, funerals were a party where she could connect with relatives near and far. As much as funerals are a mourning of one who has passed, they are also an excuse to reconvene and reconnect with distant and close connections. Strauss and Melas spoke about the various funerals they had attended that were bonding and joyous, rather than despondent.
Strauss also spoke about the timeliness of her reissue – at a time where society is “death curious”. The subject of funerals and death has become less taboo and can be approached with more humor and candor than ever before. She also emphasized the importance of in-person gatherings of all kinds to foster a sense of community and profound connection, in a society where those opportunities have become increasingly scarce in the post-pandemic age of social media.
The celebration was hosted in Ambra, a new Italian restaurant in West Village, which served incredible small plates by Chef John DeLucie.
Alix Strauss’ novel The Joy of Funerals is as witty, reverent, and moving as ever before. Be sure to grab a copy of your own wherever books are sold!
