Open Me

Sunshine O'Donnell's debut novel draws us into the secret, alluring world of professional mourners, where women are trained extensively and paid handsomely to cry at the funerals of complete strangers. At the center of the story is Mem - one of the few remaining American girls in this illegal profession, who will eventually become a renowned wailer after enduring her mother's ancient, emotionally abusive, cult-like training ritual. But Mem's infamy brings with it unwanted attention, from both the families of the deceased and the authorities.
Interweaving poetic prose and artifacts spanning six thousand years and seven continents, Open Me is an utterly original novel about mothers and daughters, dark underworlds, and the play between fact and fiction.