Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Life After Life :: Life After Life :: Life After Life (Book #12)

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Everyone has read the story, or at least seen some version on TV, about the person who makes some silly wish and relives their life the same day over and over until they get it just right.  Once they finally have that “a-ha!” moment and learn the life lesson, they go on with their lives seemingly happily ever after. 

This book is similar, but instead of living the same day over and over the main character, Ursula, lives her life over and over. 

The book focuses from 1910ish to 1970ish (I think).  Its theme is during the time of World War I and World War II, which I think is a fascinating era.  The first chapter is about a page long, and it starts with Ursula in Germany going into a restaurant, words are exchanged back and forth between her and an unnamed man (pretty obvious as to who), and then she shoots him and is herself killed.  

The book then takes you to the beginning of her life and we follow her from there.  What I really enjoyed about this story was that it opens your eyes to all the little details that could dramatically affect your life – especially if you were growing up in the early 20th century as a female.  One of the dominant themes of the book was the emphasis of the role of women, focusing on being a mom and wife.  There are various factors and settings that could either push you towards that role, or make you a scarlet-letter-wearer of society.  Often the circumstances leading towards being an outcast were out of women’s control and ability to do anything to be viewed as different.  The storyline of Ursula that follows the outcast is very sad and depressing. 

As the book progresses, Ursula sort of remembers more from her previous lives, but not always why she acts that way.  It’s a “gut instinct” that she knows she has to follow. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.  It is easy to get through because the story is captivating.  There are a few instances where it drags, but it’s not long and arduous; as the reader you just want Ursula to “move-on.”  The ending was very satisfactory, but simultaneously a slap in the face.  If you read it, you’ll know what I mean.

Happy reading!


-Jackie

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