Mariana Enriquez’s new book connects her interest in cemeteries with Argentina’s past
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Mariana Enriquez discusses her deep interest in cemeteries, shaped by her experiences growing up during Argentina's dictatorship and her early goth phase. She explains how burial grounds serve as both places of comfort for mourning and mirrors of societal inequalities, from the placement of graves to the treatment of different cultural groups.
Enriquez shares her observations from visiting cemeteries worldwide and meeting other cemetery enthusiasts, while also addressing the significance of having a physical place to mourn—particularly in the context of Argentina's "disappeared" victims. The conversation touches on her own wishes for her final resting place and her view of death as an opportunity for continued social connection rather than an isolating experience.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 7, 2025 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Enriquez's Motivations For Cemetery Fascination
Mariana Enriquez's fascination with cemeteries stems from her goth phase during her youth and her experiences growing up during Argentina's dictatorship. These early influences shaped her unique perspective on burial grounds as places of both comfort and historical significance.
Significance of Graves and Graveyards for the Disappeared
Enriquez emphasizes that having a grave to visit is a fundamental human right, providing essential comfort and closure in the grieving process. She points to Argentina's dictatorship era, where many victims were "disappeared" by the government, leaving families without graves to mourn at—a circumstance that continues to contribute to national trauma.
Class Divisions in Cemetery Layouts
According to Enriquez, cemeteries mirror societal inequalities in their very layout. The wealthy occupy prominent positions near entrances with elaborate marble headstones, while middle-class and marginalized groups are relegated to increasingly basic plots deeper within. In post-colonial societies like Argentina and Australia, she notes that colonial settlers' graves receive priority treatment while indigenous graves often go unmarked and undocumented.
Enriquez's Experiences Visiting Cemeteries Around the World
During her cemetery visits, Enriquez encounters fellow "peregrines"—cemetery enthusiasts who make pilgrimages to specific graves. She shares a controversial experience of taking a bone from the Paris catacombs, acknowledging the illegality of this act.
Enriquez's Burial and Final Resting Place Plans
Enriquez expresses her desire to have her ashes placed in one of Recoleta Cemetery's pyramid graves in Buenos Aires, with an epitaph acknowledging life's transient nature. She suggests that the dead might appreciate casual visits from the living, viewing death not as a solitary experience but as an opportunity for continued social connection.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Enriquez's goth phase during her youth was a period where she embraced a subculture characterized by dark, macabre aesthetics and interests. This phase influenced her fascination with cemeteries as goth culture often involves an appreciation for themes of death, the afterlife, and the morbid. It provided her with a unique lens through which to view burial grounds, shaping her perspective on them as places of mystery, beauty, and contemplation. This early experience contributed to Enriquez's nuanced understanding of cemeteries as spaces rich with symbolism and history.
- During Argentina's dictatorship in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the government engaged in state terrorism, leading to the forced disappearance of thousands of individuals who were perceived as political opponents. These individuals were abducted, often tortured, and killed, with their bodies disposed of in ways that made it difficult for their families to find closure through traditional mourning practices. The term "disappeared" specifically refers to these victims of state violence whose fates were deliberately obscured by the authorities, leaving families in a state of uncertainty and anguish. The legacy of the disappeared remains a significant aspect of Argentina's history, with ongoing efforts to uncover the truth, seek justice, and honor the memory of those who were forcibly taken during that dark period.
- Class divisions in cemetery layouts reflect societal inequalities, with wealthier individuals often having more prominent positions and elaborate headstones near entrances. In contrast, middle-class and marginalized groups are typically allocated simpler plots in less visible areas within cemeteries. This layout disparity highlights how social hierarchies extend even into spaces of remembrance and burial. Such distinctions can be observed in various societies, including post-colonial contexts like Argentina and Australia.
- In post-colonial societies like Argentina and Australia, colonial settlers' graves often receive preferential treatment and maintenance compared to indigenous graves. This disparity reflects historical power dynamics and ongoing societal inequalities. Indigenous graves may be left unmarked or undocumented, highlighting the marginalization and lack of recognition faced by indigenous communities in these countries. This unequal treatment of burial sites underscores broader issues of colonial legacies and the need for reconciliation and respect for indigenous cultures.
- Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is a famous cemetery known for its elaborate mausoleums and tombs, including some designed in the shape of pyramids. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its architectural beauty and historical significance, housing the graves of many notable figures from Argentine history. The cemetery is considered a cultural landmark in Buenos Aires and is often visited for its unique funerary art and design. Many visitors come to Recoleta Cemetery to pay respects to the deceased and explore its intricate layout and rich history.
Counterarguments
- While Enriquez views cemeteries as places of comfort and historical significance, some might argue that they can also perpetuate pain, especially for those who have experienced traumatic losses.
- The idea that having a grave is a fundamental human right could be contested on the basis that cultural practices around death vary greatly, and not all societies place the same emphasis on physical graves for closure.
- The notion that cemeteries reflect societal inequalities might be oversimplified, as not all cemeteries have such clear divisions, and some communities actively work to prevent such disparities in death.
- The prioritization of colonial settlers' graves over indigenous graves is a valid historical point, but it's also important to recognize efforts by some post-colonial societies to rectify these imbalances by honoring indigenous burial sites.
- Enriquez's removal of a bone from the Paris catacombs, even if acknowledged as illegal, could be criticized as disrespectful to the dead and to French heritage laws designed to preserve historical sites.
- The desire to have one's ashes placed in a prestigious cemetery like Recoleta could be seen as perpetuating the very class divisions Enriquez criticizes, as such spots are often expensive and exclusive.
- The suggestion that the dead might appreciate visits from the living is a poetic and comforting thought for some, but others might argue that it anthropomorphizes the dead and does not align with their beliefs about the finality of death.
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Enriquez's Motivations For Cemetery Fascination
Mariana Enriquez has a strong fascination with cemeteries, which she attributes to her early experiences and the historical context of her upbringing.
Enriquez's Interest in Cemeteries From Her Goth Phase
Enriquez: Fascinated by Cemeteries From a Young Age
Mariana Enriquez identifies the beginning of her interest in cemeteries to her youth during her goth phase, characterized by an attraction to the gothic aesthetic, including the wearing of black and engaging with elements of the gothic subculture.
Enriquez's Connection to Cemeteries Rooted In Argentina's History
Born In Argentina's Dictatorship, Enriquez Found Comfort an ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Enriquez's Motivations For Cemetery Fascination
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your local history through cemeteries to gain a deeper understanding of your community's past. Visit nearby cemeteries and look for historical figures or events commemorated there. This can give you a personal connection to the history that shaped your area, much like how Mariana Enriquez connected with Argentina's history.
- Create a photo essay or blog documenting the aesthetic elements of cemeteries that resonate with you. This could be a personal project where you capture the gothic elements, architectural styles, or the interplay of nature and tombstones, reflecting on how these visuals make you feel and their significance in the context of your life or in ...
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Significance of Graves and Graveyards for the Disappeared
Importance Of Grieving and Remembering the Deceased
Enriquez Views Grieving At a Grave As a Fundamental Human Right For Comfort and Closure
Enriquez remarks on the vital role of grieving, suggesting that having a grave or tombstone is not just a symbolic gesture but also a profound source of comfort that provides closure at life's end. She perceives the act of remembrance as an inherent right, emphasizing that the ability to visit a grave to grieve and remember is an essential human need for solace following the loss of a loved one.
Denying Families the Right to Bury Loved Ones
Enriquez on the Trauma of Mourning Argentina's "Disappeared" Dictatorship Victims Without Graves
The impact of Argentina's dictatorship era, according to Enriquez, is exacerbated by the fact that many victims killed by the government lack grave ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Significance of Graves and Graveyards for the Disappeared
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Enriquez views graves as a fundamental human right, some cultures or individuals may prioritize other forms of remembrance or have different grieving processes that do not involve graves.
- The idea of a physical place for mourning, such as a grave, might not be as significant in societies that practice cremation and scattering of ashes or digital memorials.
- The necessity of a grave for closure can be seen as a culturally specific perspective, and not universally applicable to all individuals or societies.
- Some may argue that the focus on physical graves could overshadow the importance of other memorial practices, such as oral histories, community gatherings, or virtual spaces.
- There could be environmental concerns related to the expansion of graveyards, leading some to advocate for alternative, more sustainable forms of burial or remembrance.
- In the context ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal memorial space at home to honor a loved one who has passed away. Set aside a corner of your living space with photographs, mementos, and items that belonged to or remind you of the deceased. This can serve as a dedicated spot for reflection and remembrance, providing a sense of closeness and comfort.
- Start a digital remembrance project to celebrate the lives of those who have passed, especially if they don't have a physical grave. This could involve setting up a website or a social media page where friends and family can contribute memories, photos, and stories. It's a way to collectively grieve and remember, and it can be particularly healing for those who are unable to visit a grave or who feel the absence of a traditional memorial.
- Engage in a c ...
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Class Divisions in Cemetery Layouts
The design and organization of cemeteries, as Enriquez discusses, often reflect the class distinctions and societal inequalities present among the living.
The Visible Stratification of Cemeteries, Mirroring Societal Inequalities
Cemeteries Segregate Wealthy, Middle Class, Marginalized Groups
Enriquez notes that cemeteries tend to segregate different social groups, echoing the class divisions that exist in society. This segregation is visible in the layout of the graves, where the wealthy are placed prominently at the entrance with elaborate marble headstones. Progressing further into the cemetery, one encounters the middle-class graves, followed by the most basic plots, where the marginalized lie in unmarked or sparsely decorated graves on the ground.
Erasing Indigenous and Minority Histories in Colonial Cemeteries
In Post-Colonial Societies, Colonial Settlers' Graves Are Prioritized Over Indigenous Ones
The historical narrative told b ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Class Divisions in Cemetery Layouts
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Post-colonial societies are countries that have gained independence from colonial rule. These nations have transitioned from being colonies of European powers to self-governing entities. Post-colonial societies often grapple with the legacies of colonialism, including issues related to identity, culture, politics, and economics. The term "post-colonial" highlights the period after colonial rule has ended and the ongoing effects of colonization on society. In these societies, there is a focus on reclaiming indigenous cultures, addressing historical injustices, and reshaping national narratives.
- The layout of cemeteries often mirrors societal class divisions by physically segregating different social groups based on their economic status. This segregation is evident in the positioning and characteristics of graves, with wealthier individuals typically having more prominent and elaborate burial sites compared to those fro ...
Counterarguments
- Cemeteries often have sections for different religious or ethnic groups, which may be mistaken for class segregation.
- The prominent placement of wealthy individuals' graves could be due to the purchase of more expensive plots rather than an intentional design to reflect social status.
- Middle-class graves may not always follow wealthy ones; the layout could be influenced by different factors such as the time of purchase or cemetery policies.
- Some cemeteries have policies to ensure that all graves are marked, regardless of the deceased's social status, challenging the idea that marginalized groups are always in unmarked graves.
- In some post-colonial societies, efforts are made to recognize and preserve indigenous graves and histories, suggesting that the prioritization of colonial settlers' graves is not universal.
- The state of documen ...
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Enriquez's Experiences Visiting Cemeteries Around the World
Enriquez shares her unique encounters as she travels to various cemeteries across the globe, highlighting the community she finds and the controversial choices she makes.
Enriquez's Encounters With Fellow "Cemetery Enthusiasts" or "Peregrines"
Enriquez occasionally meets other "peregrines," a term she uses for fellow cemetery enthusiasts who make pilgrimages to visit graves of specific individuals. These encounters are moments of quiet recognition among individuals who find solace and meaning in the same uncommon interest.
Enriquez Meets Fellow Cemetery Enthusiasts She Finds Equally Strange
During these visits, Enriquez crosses paths with enthusiasts who are equally as passionate and strange in their devotion to this pastime. They share a bond that is unique to those who roam cemeteries not just for mourning, but to celebrate and remember the legacies of those who have passed.
Enriquez's Controversial Souvenir From the Paris Catacombs
Enriquez Admits Illegally Ta ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Enriquez's Experiences Visiting Cemeteries Around the World
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The act of taking a bone from the Paris Catacombs is not only illegal but also disrespectful to the dead and their descendants, and it can be seen as a desecration of a historical site.
- While Enriquez and other "peregrines" may find community and solace in visiting cemeteries, others might view this pastime as morbid or inappropriate, especially if it involves taking souvenirs from gravesites.
- The bond formed over such an interest might be perceived as exclusive and could potentially alienate those who mourn in more traditional ways.
- The term "peregrines" romanticizes the act of traveling to cemeteries, which could be seen as trivializing the cultural and historical significance of these sites.
- Enriquez's admission of taking a bone, even with lax security, does not justify the act; it undermines the efforts of preservationists and those who work to maintain the integrity of histor ...
Actionables
- You can explore local history by visiting nearby cemeteries and creating a photo journal of interesting gravestones and monuments. Take photos of unique headstones, inscriptions, and cemetery art, then research the historical significance of the individuals or symbols you find. This can deepen your appreciation for local heritage and provide a peaceful hobby.
- Start a blog or social media page dedicated to cemetery culture and history, where you can share stories, photos, and reflections from your visits. This allows you to connect with others who have similar interests, fostering a community of appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of cemeteries without engaging in frowned-upon activities like removing ...
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Enriquez's Burial and Final Resting Place Plans
Enriquez has expressed specific desires for her final resting place, hoping to have her remains reside within Recoleta Cemetery, a renowned burial site in Buenos Aires.
Enriquez's Wish to Be Buried In Recoleta Cemetery
Enriquez's Wish: Ashes in Recoleta Cemetery Grave
Enriquez’s ultimate wish is for her ashes to be dispersed in one of Recoleta Cemetery's pyramid graves—a site that signifies an acceptance of mortality with an inscription highlighting the transient nature of life. She envisions her epitaph to humbly acknowledge that nothing remains but "dust and bones," a statement that emphasizes the inevitability of death and the shedding of the physical form.
Enriquez On Not Being "Lonely" in Death
Enriquez Suggests the Dead Prefer Casual Visits and Chats Over Solitude
In her reflections on afterlife solitude, Enriquez cont ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Enriquez's Burial and Final Resting Place Plans
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The desire to be buried in a specific location like Recoleta Cemetery may not be feasible due to space constraints or cemetery policies.
- An epitaph that highlights the transient nature of life might be seen as too pessimistic or morbid by some, who may prefer more uplifting or spiritual messages.
- The belief that the dead appreciate visits and conversations assumes a level of consciousness or awareness that many may not believe persists after death.
- The idea that social interaction ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal legacy document outlining your posthumous wishes, including the type of memorial you'd prefer, to ensure your values and views on life's transience are honored. This document can be shared with loved ones or kept with your will, and might include details like the design of your headstone, the location of your resting place, or the type of ceremony you envision, encouraging open conversations about death in your circle.
- Start a tradition of visiting historical cemeteries and engage in reflective journaling to normalize the concept of death and explore your feelings about it. By spending time in these spaces, you can cultivate a sense of connection with the past and the cycle of life, writing down your thoughts and feelings to process the experience and share with others who might be interested in this perspective.
- Initia ...
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