The Art of the Obituary: Sam Roberts on Writing Lives and Lessons Learned
In a compelling episode of PBS's 'Settle In' podcast, journalist Sam Roberts reflects on his extensive career crafting over 1,600 obituaries for The New York Times. His new book, 'Are They Dead Yet?', delves into the criteria used by the publication to select individuals for obituaries and reveals the thoughtful process behind distilling a life into a concise narrative. Roberts emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for legacy with compelling storytelling, noting how obituaries often mirror evolving cultural values and collective memory.
Geoff Bennett hosts an intimate discussion with Roberts, exploring the emotional and ethical dimensions of writing about death while celebrating the richness of lived experience. The conversation highlights how these brief profiles offer profound insights into human resilience, achievement, and the passage of time. This episode is a powerful testament to the craft of journalism and the enduring value of storytelling in understanding life’s complexities.