The author shares why her 2003 novel is still relevant today.
You may recognize the name Alix Strauss if you’ve read The New York Times in the past two decades. She’s a frequent contributor who writes about the Sunday routines of interesting people (think: actors, news anchors, ice cream scoopers), weddings, and real estate, among other lifestyle topics.
But earlier in her career, Strauss penned a rather unique essay for The Times: her experience with funerals. The article set the wheels in motion for a novel, “The Joy of Funerals,” initially released in the early 2000s. Last fall, the book was re-released for its milestone 20th anniversary.
The world has changed so much within a two-decade span — and certainly within the past four years when it comes to topics of funerals, loneliness, and gathering. So Equinox+ spoke with Strauss to discuss what initially inspired the book and why it’s important to resurface these same topics today. Read on for a conversation with the accomplished journalist and author.