Iede Hoorn, a young undertaker with a significant social media following, offers a compelling glimpse into his profession in “Leven met de dood.”

The book chronicles his journey to becoming an undertaker and is enriched with well-crafted stories about the diverse situations he has encountered. As a priest who has conducted many funerals, I found many of these stories relatable.

What stands out is the highly personal approach many people take today in organizing rituals for their loved ones’ deaths. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards personal expression over traditional group rituals.

Despite this, many modern funeral rituals still incorporate elements similar to those found in religious ceremonies.

The common thread is that funeral rituals primarily serve the living, not the deceased. Therefore, it is crucial to support the bereaved with great care, helping them express their grief and letting go through comforting rituals that can aid them now and in the future.

I really appreciated the warmth and humanity in Hoorn's writing. He makes the topic of death more approachable, balancing the seriousness with moments of light-heartedness.

Overall, it's an insightful and touching read that sheds light on the often unseen aspects of funeral care.