When John Died by Tobias Maxwell

A poignant story about the loss of a loved one and the diverse reactions from family members and friends

When John Died credibly and tactfully explores the void left in the wake of an unexpected death. John Marquis left home, estranged from his parents, but his death and his posthumous plans hold the possibility of a belated, but necessary reunion.

Henry and Laura Marquis are a married couple in Newfoundland who have raised four kids and are now living a life that consists of routine wherein Laura maintains stability in the household while Henry drinks many a day away. A typical day is shattered when they learn of their son John’s death. 

While Laura is saddened by the loss of her oldest son, Henry’s feelings are barely concealed anger as John had been absent for many years and Henry had all but written him off. The reaction of John’s siblings are mixed, but his younger sister Bonnie wants to know more about John’s death and reaches out to John’s partner despite Henry’s objections.

The news begins to circulate among John’s friends and the emotional blow of their loss is coupled with the revelation that John will be buried in his hometown in Newfoundland. Charlotte Robinson and her husband Buck fondly reminisce about their dear friend and how incomprehensible his death is as John had reached a pivotal point in his life. Charlotte is quick to reach out to fellow friend Virginia Marx in sharing the news of John’s passing. The plans to travel to Newfoundland are coupled with discussing who else will attend the services of the late John Marquis.

Henry Marquis’ relationship with his son John was strained for years and the news that John made plans to be buried in Newfoundland only further angers him. Bonnie Marquis understood John and why he left home, but his parents refuse to acknowledge it. John’s younger brother Michael is contending with sadness and frustration as he felt abandoned by John’s leaving home. The arrival of John’s friends for his funeral service offers the opportunity for the Marquis family to get better acquainted with those close to John, yet there is a hesitancy from Michael and vehement reluctance from Henry to engage with them. The tension is palpable and the execution is excellent in the interactions between Henry and John’s friends.

John Marquis wanted to be free to live his life without judgment, but this life was denied him while in Newfoundland as his parents refused to acknowledge his sexual orientation. The friends he made in New York, California, and elsewhere accepted John and loved him for who he was. John’s last wish was to bring everyone together for a celebration of life while also saying goodbye, yet Henry Marquis’ refusal to accept his son and his wishes threaten the sanctity of John’s ceremony.

When John Died is an emotionally powerful story of love, loss and acceptance. The whirlwind of emotions illustrated by the characters as they learn of John’s death are credibly portrayed and tangible. The resonance of the narrative comes from the revelations that follow in the aftermath of John’s death, and author Tobias Maxwell plots each reveal deftly. The characters are eclectic, complicated, and often engaging, and the pacing of the plot is steady while the climax is gratifying though heartrending. Tobias Maxwell has written an impactful book that will tug at your heartstrings while making you think.