Abstract This paper relates that Carlo Ruiz Zafon's "The Shadow of the Wind", a best seller in Spain for more than a year and a popular book in more than 20 countries, is about Daniel Sampere, who wakes up on his eleventh birthday and has forgotten his dead mother's face; therefore, his father takes him to the cemetery of forgotten books to give him the gift of a book to celebrate his birthday. The author points out that this very long, complex book starts as a thriller, sounds like a standard book of the Victorian era, at times reads like a romance and has a literary angle through the inventive concept of the cemetery of forgotten books. The paper relates that the critics of this book have been varied from near-nomination as the "best Spanish book of the year" to readers, who jump over sections starting half way through the book as the book does not live up to their expectations.
From the Paper "At the same time, when we come down to the other side of the Atlantic, the reviews are a lot more liberal. This is probably in view of the generosity that the reviewers have given for the book being a translated version. This is a very important factor as when translations are done, it is important that the translation be done by individuals who are experts themselves, as otherwise the feelings will not come through. A poem has to be translated by a poet in the language that it is being translated in. Knowledge of the language itself may not be enough; it also requires the knowledge of the medium."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of a monument and defines what constitutes a monument. The paper explores the many manifestations of a monument and cites different examples of monuments, including the Los Angeles National Cemetery and the United States Holocaust Museum.
From the Paper "The common view of monuments is that they are statues or buildings made of marble or stone that commemorate people who have died. However the true definition of a monument is found in what it accomplishes. A monument memorializes something or someone. It brings that thing or that person to our remembrance, honors them and inspires us profoundly. A monument is not just a memory, however, it is an enduring memorial that stands throughout the ages to convey to us what the person..."
Abstract This paper discusses the ethical issues involved in selling funeral services to the families of deceased relatives. The paper discusses the mission of the Funeral Ethics Association and how it strives to educate funeral directors to act in the best interests of the public and the common interests of the profession. The paper ends by discussing the changing nature of the funeral tradition and how this is affecting funeral directors.
From the Paper "The mission of the Funeral Ethics Association is "to provide the public and the profession with a balanced forum for resolving misunderstandings and to elevate the importance of ethical practices in all matters related to funeral service" (Funeral2). This is achieved through the continuing education of funeral directors and clear presentations to the public, such as information regarding "funeral options, funeral prearrangements, prefinanced funerals and the ethical purposes of the funeral profession' (Funeral2). The intent of the Funeral Ethics Association is to cultivate ethical harmony and cooperation while establishing ethical relationships between the pubic and funeral service (Funeral2). To accomplish these purposes, the FEA publishes newsletters on ethical practices, hears matters dealing with ethics, and establishes an office of ombudsman to act in the best interests of the public and the common interests of the profession (Funeral2)."
