The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels by Pamela Prickett

"The Unclaimed" offers a compassionate exploration of the lives of Americans who die alone or destitute, and the individuals who work tirelessly to provide them with dignified burials. In a society where up to 150,000 individuals go unclaimed each year, sociologists Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans delve into this hidden social world with empathy and insight.

Through the lens of four individuals in Los Angeles, the book examines the complex circumstances that lead to their abandonment, shedding light on the poignant paths that put them at risk of being forgotten. From scene investigators to crematorium workers, the authors introduce us to the dedicated individuals who step in to care for the deceased when no one else will.

"The Unclaimed" confronts difficult truths about social issues such as family fragmentation, urban loneliness, and rising inequality. Yet, amidst these challenges, the book also uncovers unexpected moments of tenderness. In Boyle Heights, for example, strangers gather annually to mourn the deaths of those they never knew, reaffirming our shared humanity and strengthening social bonds.

Through vivid storytelling and profound empathy, Prickett and Timmermans urge readers to expand their circles of compassion, both in death and in life. "The Unclaimed" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for one another, even in our most vulnerable moments. It encourages us to confront societal inequities and work towards building a more inclusive and empathetic society.