Because Where Things Come Back starts off with the narrator staring down at a dead body, the possibility of death and grief is always hanging over Cullen's head. It's a pretty grim idea to think of Gabriel dead once he's gone missing, but it's something that is always in the back of everyone's minds—even if they don't admit to it.
Cabot, who causes Gabriel's disappearance, has also faced some mortality in his young life. He's dealt with the sudden suicide of his college roommate, an event that changes him forever, ushering in his transformation from ordinary fun-loving college student to someone who believes that God is trying to speak to him. Maybe this is the only way he can make sense of his dear friend's death, but on the flip side, it's also what leads Cullen and his crew to wondering whether Gabriel's dead.
Questions About Mortality
- Why does the book open up with Oslo's death?
- Do you think that Cullen and his parents ever believe that Gabriel is dead?
- Why is Cullen's mom so mad at Aunt Julia when she talks about Gabriel being in heaven?
- Why do you think Benton commits suicide?
Chew on This
Cabot turns to religion and the Book of Enoch after Benton's death because it is the only way he can make sense of his friend's suicide and Benton's family's cold reaction.
The book opens up with Oslo's death in order to prepare the reader for the coming death and disappearance of two other young men—Benton and Gabriel.